ABSTRACT: The article discusses the main aspects of using mobile applications as a catalyst for the digital transformation of higher education in the context of the innovation economy. It is emphasized that mobile applications change traditional teaching methods and administrative processes, contributing to their efficiency. It is determined that thanks to mobile technologies, education is becoming more and more accessible, flexible, and adaptive to the requirements of the modern information society. It has been determined that modern mobile applications provide innovative tools for distance learning, allowing students and teachers to interact regardless of geographic location. This creates conditions for a continuous educational process, improving the quality of educational services and contributing to the personalization of education. However, it is noted that modern mobile applications for higher education demonstrate fragmentation, being limited to performing specific learning tasks. The lack of integration between different platforms leads to the need to switch between them to perform various actions, which creates additional difficulties for users. Particular attention is paid to the role of higher education institutions in shaping the innovation economy. Thus, educational institutions not only train highly qualified personnel but also contribute to creating new knowledge and technologies, forming an environment that supports the development of a creative society. Innovative mobile applications contribute to economic growth by creating new jobs and stimulating the development of innovative industries. They also contribute to social equality by providing equal access to quality education, especially in regions with limited resources. The report concludes that the future of higher education depends on the ability of institutions to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and implement digital innovations. Mobile applications play a key role in this process, ensuring effective learning and organization of the educational process.

KEYWORDS – mobile applications, digital transformation, higher education, innovative economy, personalized learning, distance learning.