EUA holds first on-site Leadership Development Programme session in Riga

Opening the programme’s first on-site session at the University of Latvia’s House of Science, EUA President Josep M. Garrell emphasised the critical role of leadership in times of transformation, highlighting that “in an age of rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty and challenges to academic freedom and funding, among others, university leadership must be both strategic and values-driven.”

Underlining EUA’s role in supporting university leaders through collective learning and strategic foresight, two foundational aspects of the Leadership Development Programme’s design, he added that “the first cohort of this pilot programme reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of higher education through collective learning, foresight and the core values that bring Europe’s universities together.”

In Riga, participants engaged in a leadership exchange with Rector Gundars Bērziņš of the University of Latvia, who shared reflections on his leadership journey. Professor Bērziņš offered insights into institutional strategy, governance reforms in Latvia and overcoming resistance to change. He also addressed funding challenges and explored how universities can adapt to a changing geopolitical context, illustrating how his institution is positioning itself strategically while staying true to its academic mission.

The session also delved into EU regulatory frameworks and competitiveness in higher education, led by EUA experts. Through interactive discussions, participants examined how European regulations shape leadership decisions in higher education and considered strategies to turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for institutional growth.

The many facets of leadership development were further explored through hands-on sessions facilitated by Oliver Vettori, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria, and Pio Fenton, Munster Technological University, Ireland. The two facilitators, both members of the pilot programme’s Expert Pool, guided participants in defining key moments and dilemmas in their own leadership journeys, helping the group to uncover barriers to change and identify common themes to collectively address.

This first on-site session marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the pilot Leadership Development Programme, laying the basis for a peer-learning community that will continue to develop over the next six months. By supporting university leaders, EUA reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of higher education in Europe.

A new EUA initiative, the pilot Leadership Development Programme is designed to support university leaders across Europe, equipping them with the skills, networks, and strategic insights to navigate the evolving higher education landscape. Moreover, it reflects EUA’s commitment to institutional capacity-building through strong leadership, supporting the vision set out in ‘Universities without walls – A vision for 2030’.