This study examines the role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in digital transformation within Swedish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) amidst the fourth industrial revolution. Despite significant technological advances, the educational sector continues to rely on traditional methodologies and has not fully integrated digital technologies. Through a survey conducted among Swedish higher education CIOs, the research identifies a substantial variation in the understanding and implementation of digitalization, with 70% of institutions lacking a unified definition and only 40% having established digitalization plans. The results underscore that digital technologies are primarily utilized to improve administrative efficiency, often neglecting their potential to enhance educational and research outcomes. Moreover, the involvement of CIOs in strategic decision-making is inconsistent, which highlights the need for a reevaluation of their role to bolster their influence on policy and strategic planning. The paper advocates for a redefinition of the CIO’s role and calls for ongoing collaboration to develop effective digitalization strategies in higher education.