ABSTRACT
The theoretical debate on the strategy-structure relationship has at least three explanatory currents. However, this relationship has neither been studied in a context of crisis such as that of COVID-19, nor in higher education institutions (HEIs). Looking at the strategy from the perspective of the business model, and its relationship with organizational innovation, institutional development plans were analyzed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Connectivity Humanness and Empathy (CHE) model at 11 HEIs in Colombia. The results show that HEIs did not change their business model but managed to implement a strategy projected for several years in few weeks, by presenting organizational innovations that guide them towards digital transformation. © 2022, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. All rights reserved.