DIGITAL MATURITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION: A STRATEGIC DRIVER OF TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL COMPETITION Author: Artem Movsesyan Affiliation: Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Email: abmovsesyan@gmail.com ResearcherID: GXV-9286-2022, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5175-991X Date: May 30, 2025 Annotation The article discusses the concept of digital maturity as a strategic resource of higher education institution (HEI) in the context of global competition and accelerating digital transformation. Based on the Movsesyan-Raspopin model, a step-by-step methodology for assessing digital maturity and building a digital transformation strategy for educational organizations is presented. Special attention is paid to the introduction of digital initiatives, development of staff competencies, integration of digital metrics into management practice, as well as international cooperation within the BRICS alliances. Practical recommendations, a roadmap for implementation and typical mistakes to avoid are presented. The material is based on the Russian methodology adapted for universities, verified by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, and supplements international approaches with pragmatic tools. Keywords digital maturity, transformation of universities, higher education strategy, Movsesyan- Raspopin model, digital transformation, BRICS universities, innovations in education, digital competencies, roadmap, institutional readiness, student-centeredness.