Human-Centered Adaptive Leadership for Innovation, Resilience, and Change in the New Academy

Abstract

This integrative systematic review maps the conceptual landscape of adaptive leadership in higher education, drawing on 184 Scopus-indexed publications. Facing digital transformation, post-pandemic recovery, and demands for equity and sustainability, the “New Academy” requires leadership models that transcend hierarchical paradigms. Thematic analysis reveals three interconnected clusters: organizational change dynamics (14.7%), digital architectures and open innovation ecosystems (27.3%), and the human core of resilience, well-being, and sustainable leadership (58.0%). The dominance of the human dimension signals a decisive scholarly shift toward evaluating leadership by its impact on flourishing rather than efficiency alone. The findings are synthesized into an integrative framework connecting leadership foundations, innovation enablers, and human outcomes. The chapter concludes with research implications, practical recommendations for institutional leaders, and future research directions addressing empirical validation, cross-cultural perspectives, and the research-practice gap.