This strategic report will focus on the global trend towards flexible, hybrid working and its impact for Digital Leadership in Higher Education in Ireland and beyond. We examine the wider implications of hybrid learning and working for Higher Education and situate this current globalised trend in its historical context.

Author

Dr Maren Deepwell is an award-winning independent consultant with organisations and leaders in education and the not-for-profit sector as an executive troubleshooter, strate-gic advisor and coach. Dr Deepwell’s particular expertise lies in authentic leadership and unconventional career development, digital wellbeing and sustainability. From 2012- 2023 Dr Deepwell was the Chief Executive of the Association for Learning Technology, the UK’s leading professional for Learning Technology. In this role Dr Deepwell led the organisation working with 350+ volunteers from across sectors often in collaboration with ILTA, ALT’s counterpart in Ireland.

We explore best practice examples drawn from industry and education sectors and highlight the role of effective Digital Leadership in meeting the challenges of changing needs of (lifelong) learner populations in a world impacted by environmental and technological factors and draw together strategic recommendations for leaders in Higher Education seeking to support student success from Higher Education into a fast moving, competitive job market that is under threat from automation and AI.