Digital Transformation in Higher Education Through Platform Consolidation

How senior IT leaders at the Royal College of Art are simplifying complex tech environments to reduce cost, improve collaboration, and scale smarter.

The Reality Facing Higher Education IT Leaders Innovation is no longer optional.

But neither is efficiency.

Higher education institutions are navigating:

• Expanding technology stacks
• Budget scrutiny
• Rising expectations from staff and students
• Increasing pressure to modernise securely and sustainably

Over time, many institutions have accumulated platforms. Few have consolidated them strategically.

This session explores what happens when you do.

What You’ll Learn

In this practical leadership discussion, senior IT voices from the Royal College of Art share their platform consolidation journey — including what worked, what didn’t, and what they would prioritise again.

You’ll gain insight into:

✔ How platform consolidation reduces operational overhead
✔ Where integration and automation deliver immediate efficiency gains
✔ How AI enhances internal operations and student support
✔ Practical considerations for scaling and modernising legacy environments
✔ Lessons learned from navigating change in a public sector institution

💬 Plus: Live Q&A
Bring your questions and engage directly with the speakers. This is your opportunity to explore your own consolidation challenges with peers who have done it.

🎟 Secure your place now and learn how to simplify, scale, and modernise with confidence.