DIGITAL INNOVATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS. CASE STUDY OF THE REGIONAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY IN KRAKOW
Authors:   Krakow University of Economics, Wodecka-Hyjek Angelika , Obora Hubert ,   Krakow University of Economics, Teczke Michał ,   Krakow University of Economics
Published: February 2025

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.