Abstract:

Digital transformation in higher education institutions is becoming one of the key strategic priorities. However, its success depends on the skills, knowledge, and personal qualities of the organization's leaders, who define them as digital leaders capable of balancing technological, organizational, and cultural changes. Although there has been considerable discussion in recent years about the importance of digital leadership, a systematic research gap remains in defining the specific managerial competencies required by leaders of higher education institutions seeking to implement digital transformation effectively. This study aims to identify and conceptualize the core digital leadership competencies required for the successful digital transformation within higher education institutions. The study applies a systematic analysis of 18 scientific literature sources using the PRISMA method.

The analysis reveals six main groups of digital leadership competencies:
(1) educational digital vision and strategy;
(2) Digital teaching and learning culture;
(3) Educational technology and data competence;
(4) Educational culture, people, and change management;
(5) Communication and collaboration;
(6) Personal, ethical, and reflective competencies.

These competencies act as interrelated managerial dimensions that determine organizational digital maturity. The study’s findings advance the conceptual understanding of digital leadership in higher education management and provide new insights into digital leadership competencies by integrating theoretical and empirical sources into an education-specific competency framework. The practical value of this model is revealed as an effective tool for institutional leaders and policymakers seeking to strengthen digital culture, employee competencies, and sustainable digital transformation in the education sector.

Keywords:

Higher education, digital transformation, digital leadership, transformational leadership, managerial competencies.