In the process of import substitution, higher educational institutions face several challenges in transitioning from the predominant use of foreign software to domestic alternatives. These challenges include a lack of user experience with domestic digital solutions, difficulty in transferring data between systems and other issues. The difficulties associated with the transition period create resistance to the digital transformation process. Research on import substitution in universities has identified three main themes: the challenges and risks associated with switching to domestic software, exploring the feasibility of a complete transition to Russian software and providing recommendations for selecting Russian solutions. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of import substitution software products in higher education. The article proposes a structural model to identify the factors that contribute to successful software import substitution. The model is based on the theories of innovation diffusion and technology adoption, and it was developed using SmartPLS software. The model is based on data collected from a survey of professors and staff at the Ural State University of Economics. The results of the study indicate that the attitude towards adopting import substitution software depends on several factors, including the personal characteristics and innovative features of the software. The most significant determinants of a positive attitude towards transitioning to domestic software include user involvement and self-efficacy. In addition, a positive perception of the need for import substitution can influence individual acceptance of transitioning to Russian software and recognizing import substitution as an economic policy of the country. The theoretical significance of the study lies in its proposal of an original model for identifying the determinants of successful software import substitution that differentiates between individual acceptance and public recognition of software import substitution. The findings of the study could be useful to university management in planning and implementing measures for an import substitution strategy.