Pioneering Change: The Role of Transformative Leadership in Fostering Sustainable Innovation in Higher Education

Abstract

This article investigates the critical role of transformative leadership in advancing sustainable innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs). Higher education today faces growing pressures to adopt sustainability practices that benefit the environment, society, and institutional longevity. Transformative leadership offers a robust framework for enabling these shifts, as it focuses on visionary and empathetic leadership that inspires change. This paper discusses key leadership theories, barriers to sustainable innovation, and examines case studies of successful initiatives within HEIs. The findings suggest that transformative leaders are pivotal in fostering a culture that prioritizes long-term, impactful innovation aligned with sustainability goals.

Keywords: Transformative Leadership, Sustainable Innovation, Higher Education, Organizational Change, Institutional Innovation