DIGITAL INNOVATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS. CASE STUDY OF THE REGIONAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY IN KRAKOW

Purpose: The research aims to substantiate the assumption that public sector institutions, such as the Regional Education Authority in Krakow, are digitally innovative units that, due to progressive digitization, adapt their offer to the needs of stakeholders. Implementing this goal required identifying innovative digital solutions implemented by the Regional Education Authority in Krakow in the fields of tasks performed, process improvement, information and communication and work organization. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical part of the article describes the results of the literature review within the problem framework and the practical part presents and discusses the results of empirical research. The study was conducted using the survey technique (CAWI), and the study results were developed using descriptive statistics. Findings: Research conducted at the Regional Education Authority in Krakow showed the average level of digital innovation of this institution. The study identified and analyzed digital solutions used in the areas of task execution, process improvement, information and communication, and work organization. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of the conducted research mainly relate to their scope, the surveys were conducted only among employees of the Regional Education Authority in Krakow willing to participate in the study. The research should be expanded in the context of expanding the sample, preferably by employees of all Regional Education Authorities in Poland. Practical implications: Research conducted at the Regional Education Authority in Krakow allows us to conclude that the level of digital innovation of this institution requires support, especially in terms of financial resources and the establishment of teams dedicated to the introduction of innovative digital solutions. Social implications: The level of digital innovation, both in Polish and foreign public organizations, is an important issue and a long-term process, requiring changes and flexible adaptation to technological challenges and stakeholder expectations. Originality/value: The presented research results on the implementation of digital innovation solutions in the Regional Education Authority in Krakow are in line with the current trend of research, which emphasizes the need to adapt the offer of services provided by public sector institutions to the expectations of diverse stakeholder groups. An important advantage of the research is its unique character both in terms of the research area, which is the Regional Education Authority in Krakow, and the subject of research. This institution is often the subject of research in the context of the educational process and pedagogical supervision. However, there is little research using this institution to analyze management processes and the context of digitalization remains poorly recognized.