Investigating the Profile of Digital Readiness and Sustainability Development: An Explainable Clustering

Abstract

The level of digital readiness within Islamic Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) has emerged as a critical concern, drawing increasing scholarly and institutional attention over the past five years. This study aims to examine the empirical relationship between two key dimensions: digital readiness, as reflected by the National Readiness Index (NRI), and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data were collected from more than 20 IHEIs between 2023 and 2024 to support a sequential analytical approach. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to identify associations between NRI-based digital readiness and SDG performance within the IHEI context. Subsequently, cluster analysis was conducted using the Duda–Hart Index, while the Pseudo T² statistic was applied to validate the robustness of the clustering outcomes. A cartographic visualization was also generated to illustrate variations across readiness and sustainability clusters. The results indicate a considerable disparity between digital readiness and sustainability among IHEIs. Only a limited number of institutions demonstrate consistent performance in both areas, suggesting that effective leadership and strategic investment in digital infrastructure are essential prerequisites for achieving sustainable institutional transformation.