BARRIERS TO THE ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN HIGHER
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE OF ESPÍRITO SANTO
Name: JEDIDIAS NUNES DIAS
Publication date: 25/08/2026
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| ALEXSANDRO LUIZ DE ANDRADE | Presidente |
| DIEMERSON DA COSTA SACHETTO | Examinador Externo |
| TACIANA DE LEMOS DIAS | Examinador Interno |
| THALMO DE PAIVA COELHO JUNIOR | Examinador Interno |
Summary: In a context of digital transformation that is expanding the role of
technologies in academic and administrative processes, understanding the
factors that hinder their adoption has become a relevant concern in public
administration. This study investigated the factors associated with the adoption
or underutilization of Digital Information and Communication Technologies
(DICTs) by faculty members and administrators at the Federal University of
Espírito Santo (Ufes) and the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (Ifes). A
quantitative survey approach was adopted through a structured online
questionnaire adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of
Technology (UTAUT) model and complemented by questions addressing
institutional tools, non-institutional tools, and artificial intelligence. The
consolidated dataset comprised 86 participants who provided valid responses to
at least part of the questionnaire, including 52 from Ufes and 34 from Ifes. Given
the occurrence of partial responses, the analyses considered the number of valid
observations available for each variable or questionnaire section, with 77
participants completing the items related to the UTAUT constructs. Data were
analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures, including
correlation analyses, group comparisons, and multiple linear regression. The
results revealed a gap between the institutional provision of technologies and
users’ awareness of their availability, as well as the use of non-institutional tools,
including artificial intelligence-based solutions, to meet academic and
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
CENTRO DE CIÊNCIAS JURÍDICAS E ECONÔMICAS
MESTRADO PROFISSIONAL EM GESTÃO PÚBLICA
administrative needs. Among the dimensions associated with technology
acceptance, Attitude Toward Using Technology was the only statistically
significant predictor of behavioral intention in the regression model, while no
statistically significant differences were identified between Ufes and Ifes across
the dimensions investigated. The findings indicate that technology adoption
depends not only on the availability of infrastructure and systems, but also on
their dissemination, effective appropriation, and users’ experience with these
technologies. As a practical contribution, the study resulted in a technical report
containing diagnostic findings and management-oriented recommendations,
including the centralization of information on institutional systems, the
strengthening of continuous training initiatives, and the creation of institutional
mechanisms for the periodic assessment of the tools provided and users’ needs.
