The Education Leadership Challenges for Universities in a Postdigital Age

Abstract

AbstractThe executive leadership of universities internationally faces significant uncertainty in how to respond to ongoing technological innovation in a postdigital age. The current rapid progress in generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is exacerbating their plight. This study uses emergent research on GAI in learning and teaching to problematise the challenges of university education leadership in the face of such disturbances to core academic work. Considering the benefits and risks associated with the design of GAI, its inclusion in learning and teaching, and how it is reconfiguring the design of degree programmes and the strategies of local leaders providing support services through university organisational structures, this paper offers a principled ecosystemic approach to leadership that considers key elements for effective strategy implementation. The interrelatedness of strategy, governance, policy, management, and investment are discussed and a way forward for effective education leadership in a context of uncertainty is offered.