Changing expectations related to digitalisation and socialisation in higher education. Horizon scanning of pre- and post-COVID-19 discourses

Based on related academic and semi-academic discourse, this paper aims to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic important actors their expectations in higher education (HE) sector. As open organisations, institutions (HEIs) are influenced shaped by different stakeholders’ numerous often controversial demands. While HEIs strive meet key actors’ needs, these have a determinative role future HEIs. Therefore, future-oriented horizon scanning method was used for mapping explicit demands analysing alterations due pandemic. The showed that one most pressing Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) digitalisation even before Due pandemic, awaited HE realised within few weeks, it affected all actors. tangible daily experience digital mode changed priorities In addition, unexpected situation brought surface HEIs’ hidden potentials, resources responsibilities. Although is clearly manifested, social restrictions as well effects learning life general were perceived primarily field socialisation. result, need socialisation has increased. article highlights dynamic interconnection between socialisation, changing voices stakeholders, which should be considered when choose paths post-COVID-19 era.