Higher education PC investment looks to device customisation and performance to drive learning — Futuresource Consulting

Universities and colleges worldwide continue to focus on advancing the student learning experience. Engagement, collaborative spaces and technology improvements are all part of the equation, with AI and high-performance computing (HPC) moving into the foreground.

According to a new report from Futuresource Consulting, institutional purchases of mobile and desktop devices in the higher education sector saw steady growth during the first half of 2024, with continued momentum expected for the rest of the year.

“The higher education PC market is a constantly evolving sector, driven by demand for devices that cater to AI-enhanced learning environments and complex research workflows,” says Iryna Kazanchuk, Lead Market Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. “At the same time, mobile computing is dominating the procurement landscape, accounting for nearly 70% of PC shipment activity during H1 2024.”

AI and HPC transforming campus IT Infrastructures
AI continues to be a significant driver, influencing everything from curriculum development to research innovation. Universities are expanding their use of AI across a range of departments, not only in STEM, but in broader applications, which address wider campus security and management needs.

“AI is no longer confined to research labs. It's becoming a campus-wide priority,” says Kazanchuk. “As a result, we’re witnessing a wave of interest in upgrading institutional IT infrastructure, and this is reshaping procurement strategies.”

HPC is also gaining traction, especially in fields like medicine, aerospace and media, where computational intensity is crucial. Higher education institutions are accessing governmental grants to invest in these high-spec devices, which are essential for research collaborations and attaining strategic goals in partnership with industry and government.

Addressing customisation needs for complex courses
A notable development is the continued shift from pre-packaged enterprise offerings towards more customised solutions. Academic disciplines, particularly those that require intensive computing power, are increasingly reliant on tailor-made hardware configurations to meet the specific needs of their courses.

Navigating the challenges of device procurement
Despite these advancements, universities continue to face challenges in securing the right talent and managing device procurement cycles. With many institutions now tasked with maintaining both personal and campus-based devices, there is increased pressure on IT departments to modernise their infrastructure to accommodate a growing fleet of mobile devices.

“Finding the right IT personnel who can keep up with the fast pace of technological change has become a significant challenge for many institutions,” says Kazanchuk. “This often leads universities to seek external expertise, underscoring the need for strategic partnerships between higher education and device vendors.”

As the need for additional computing power continues to extend beyond traditional research applications, Futuresource expects higher education institutions to increase their investment in both mobile and desktop PCs to meet growing demand. This new round of research identifies device refresh cycles, driven end-of-life for pandemic-era PCs, will fuel the sector's growth well into 2025.

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