Universities need a new generation of visionary leaders

European universities are at a crossroads, navigating a rapidly evolving landscape marked by globalisation, demands for sustainability, digital transformation, growing societal expectations and mounting funding pressures. In this context, universities need bold and visionary leaders who can navigate uncertainty, foster innovation and inspire collective action.

It is this very imperative that has led the European University Association (EUA) to develop a pioneering Leadership Development Programme designed to equip university leaders with the tools they need to thrive in this dynamic landscape.

A new leadership model

As European universities face increasingly complex environments, the demand for a new leadership paradigm has never been more critical. With diverse stakeholders, global interconnections, rapid technological advancements and significant transformation agendas, the traditional model of university leadership is no longer sufficient.

Today’s universities require a more collaborative and inclusive approach. Leaders must be capable of fostering a shared vision, inspiring trust, empowering others to contribute to institutional success and developing a culture of shared leadership.

However, many institutions struggle to implement a new leadership culture among both academic and professional support staff. Striking the right balance between preserving the unique environment of academia and embracing new leadership styles that address various transformation agendas is a complex challenge.

It may not always be a simple endeavour, but universities have a responsibility to nurture leadership within their institutions to ensure sustainable success and long-term resilience.

Effective leadership enables institutions to adapt to rapidly changing environments, such as technological advancements and evolving educational paradigms or societal needs. It also fosters a culture of innovation, academic excellence and operational efficiency, all of which are critical for maintaining competitiveness and relevance.

Cultivating leadership is vital for building institutional and organisational resilience. Universities must be equipped to withstand crises and disruptions while remaining focused on long-term goals. A strategic vision, supported by new forms of foresight and planning, is fundamental to drive institutional transformation and steer change. In short, leadership development is about equipping universities to thrive.

New skills

Today, pressures on university leaders are numerous and expectations are only increasing as they find themselves juggling long-term strategic goals with the demands of immediate crises. The NEWLEAD project has highlighted just how intricate and demanding the task of leading and transforming universities has become.

According to its findings, today’s university leaders need a diverse skill set that goes beyond traditional management. They must be able to establish a shared vision, unite their communities around common goals and foster a culture of transformative initiatives and innovation.

Effective leadership now requires a blend of people management, strategic foresight, technical expertise and crucial transversal skills that enable leaders to adapt and thrive amid constant change. The challenge lies in balancing leadership with management – a duality shaped by varying cultures, roles and perceptions within university leadership teams.

For universities to navigate these complexities successfully, leadership development must be a priority across all levels of the institution. Empowering both academic and professional support leaders is essential for creating a more resilient and adaptable organisation.

While some universities offer various forms of leadership support, many leaders across Europe still lack access to comprehensive development programmes. Where these programmes are available, they are highly valued by university leaders, who see them as vital for acquiring the necessary skills to tackle major challenges.

Preparing for the future

As the higher education sector faces a pressing need for strategic transformation, the EUA remains committed to helping its member universities to navigate these challenges. For this reason, the EUA has launched a pilot Leadership Development Programme with a distinct European focus, designed to equip university leaders with the skills and competencies necessary to steer their institutions toward a thriving future.

The first cohort will bring together up to 20 senior leaders from EUA member universities within a dynamic and collaborative environment. Here, they will build leadership capabilities in a unique community, enriched by shared experiences and a strong European perspective.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in higher education and dive into the latest research-informed and cutting-edge European higher education trends, gaining a comprehensive and 360-degree understanding of key topics in learning and teaching, research and innovation and regulatory frameworks.

In addition, participants will jointly address leadership dilemmas around the major transformational challenges and opportunities for European higher education today.

In doing so they will focus on leadership, governance and management, through sessions on shared and strategic leadership, governance models, institutional cultures, financial strategy, resource allocation or emergency preparedness. Additionally, the programme will include a strategic foresight workshop, involving new tools on scenario planning and horizon scanning to prepare for the future.

Finally, the first cohort will tackle leadership challenges in transversal institutional transformations, such as European Universities alliances, institutional strategies for sustainability, the digital transition or equity, diversity and inclusion. Online sessions throughout the programme will address critical topics, such as innovative leadership, change management, integrity in leadership and academic freedom.

And throughout the programme, participants will have exclusive opportunities to engage with key European policy-makers, stakeholders and university leaders, sharing insights on the future of European higher education.

A vital new resource

The future success of European universities will be significantly influenced by the quality of their leadership. To position our institutions to effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, it is crucial to prioritise leadership development across the institution.

The new EUA Leadership Development Programme represents a vital new resource for senior leaders, with the potential to inspire broader and more comprehensive leadership initiatives across the European higher education landscape.

Achieving this vision will require a coordinated effort from policy-makers, institutions and funding bodies at both national and European levels. By acknowledging the critical role of leadership in new policies and committing to initiatives that nurture it, European universities can cultivate a new generation of visionary leaders. These leaders will be instrumental in driving transformation and ensuring the long-term resilience and success of their institutions.

Thomas Estermann is director of governance, funding and public policy development at the European University Association. Maria Blanco is adviser for governance, funding and public policy development at the European University Association.

*The call for participation for EUA’s Leadership Development Programme is open to the association’s members until 24 October 2024. If you would like to learn more or ask any questions, you can also join a dedicated webinar on 18 September 2024, from 14.00-14.45 (CEST), for additional details about the programme and the application process. Enquiries about participation in the pilot programme can also be sent to eualead@eua.eu.

This article is a commentary. Commentary articles are the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.