REVIEW PAPER
Weak signals of disruptive innovations in traditional business models of academic education
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1
Politechnika Krakowska, Polska
 
2
Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Polska
 
 
Online publication date: 2025-03-31
 
 
Publication date: 2025-03-31
 
 
NSZ 2025;20(1):33-58
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Research objectives and hypothesis/research questions:
The aim of the article is to identify weak signals in the university education sector that may lead to disruptions in the current development trajectory in the education market. Phenomena and changes in the education sector, such as changes in structures, relationships, and processes, new ideas, technologies, or changes in needs, preferences, and attitudes towards the existing educational offer, will be analyzed and interpreted. From the perspective of the weak signals concept, these may be significant indicators.

Research methods:
Ansoff’s method of analyzing and identifying weak signals and the concept of disruptive innovations were used to assess the risk of the emergence of innovations that disrupt traditional business models in education.

Main results:
The result of the study is a compilation of identified weak signals and their convergence, which may significantly disrupt the university education market, threatening the dominant position of universities unless they take appropriate actions to redefine their value propositions and educational models.

Implications for theory and practice:
In response to the presented changes, universities should continue researching the impact of technological innovations on education and develop adaptive strategies. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and leveraging the opportunities that the future of education in the digital era brings. Future research should focus on further analyzing the impact of these innovations on various aspects of education and developing adaptive strategies for educational institutions.
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