Why digital transformation matters for nonprofit research institutions

• Nonprofit research institutions face challenges with outdated technology hindering innovation and decision-making processes.
• Unifying data through cloud-based systems like Workday can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and boost employee engagement.
• By consolidating systems and leveraging unified data, institutions can better position themselves for the future of AI.

Below is a summary of "Nonprofit Research Institutions: Why Digital Transformation Matters", a whitepaper co-authored by Huron and Workday. If you'd like to access the full analysis, download the complete whitepaper here.

Nonprofit research institutions are grappling with outdated systems, manual processes, and data silos, which are slowing their pace of innovation and hindering their ability to keep up with scientific demand. To break free from these confines, these institutions must embrace digital transformation and prioritize its implementation to continue delivering on their vital missions.

Using manual and inefficient processes across many point solutions are blocking research institutions from being as efficient in their back offices as they need their labs or their researchers to be in the field.” — Michelle Adams O’Regan, Industry Director, Nonprofit Solution Marketing, Workday

The hurdles created by outdated technology and convoluted funding models are leading to inefficiencies in back-office operations. This often results in a jumble of manual integrations and data silos that impede the flow of work and hamper decision-making.

Cloud-based systems like Workday present a solution to these issues, offering a centralized and streamlined process that can lead to better decision-making, compliance, accountability, and ultimately maximizing the institution's impact.

A cloud-native enterprise management platform, like Workday, helps eradicate data silos and provides readily available data insights. Finance, HR, and IT teams can significantly benefit from a unified, real-time data source, as it fosters cross-functional collaboration and helps leaders make the right decisions with data-backed insights.

In the current competitive talent market, prioritizing the employee experience is crucial for retaining top-tier talent. Implementing Workday’s unified system can empower employees while automating processes. By doing so, organizations can shift their focus towards more valuable work that aligns with the institution's mission. The resulting increase in engagement, productivity, and satisfaction among employees contributes to the organization's overall success.

However, nonprofit research leaders must prepare for significant change management for a successful digital transformation. This includes aligning on transformation goals, assessing current data, consolidating systems, and seeking guidance from those who have traversed the transformation road before. Sustainable results can be achieved by embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging fresh ideas, and challenging the status quo, accelerating the digital transformation journey.

The essence of the matter is this: digital transformation isn't an optional luxury; it's necessary for nonprofit research institutions that aim to adapt to an evolving landscape, improve operational efficiency, and maximize their impact.

You want to consolidate systems and put all the data together. That’s really where the big bang comes from beyond the more efficient transactional work. It’s insight. And if you believe where AI is going, it’s all going to be around access to data. All of that’s going to come from putting the data together.” — John Cunningham, Grants Product Manager, Workday

Download the whitepaper today to learn more about the detailed road map for digital transformation in nonprofit research institutions.