Higher education urgently needs innovators to address declining public confidence in the value of a college degree. For instance, a startling 66% of Americans believe these institutions struggled in the past, failing to meet current needs. In addition, only 14% feel they deliver significant societal benefits. Perhaps most alarmingly, nearly half of companies plan to discard degree requirements for some roles.

Therefore, we’re amidst a pivotal period demanding significant transformations. In this time of big changes, universities can no longer adhere to outdated practices or cookie-cutter models. To regain trust, we need brave innovators who are unafraid to seize intelligent and creative opportunities. These innovators can introduce fresh perspectives, challenge conventional wisdom, and drive meaningful change within higher education. Additionally, higher education must harness the potential of these visionaries across all university facets. This range involves from teaching and research to administration and community engagement.

Starting Point: Strategic Plans

A critical starting point is involving innovators at every stage of strategic planning. This involvement includes the creation and execution of the strategic plan. Their insights ensure the strategic plan is forward-thinking and aligned with the institution’s mission and goals. Moreover, innovators are known for their commitment to accountability.

Innovators are not only known for their creativity and forward-thinking mindset but also for their commitment to accountability. Innovators push boundaries but they recognize the importance of accountability for their actions and outcomes. They also understand that accountability begins with having a clear understanding of what success looks like. Innovators also understand that accountability means being willing to adapt and iterate based on new information and insights. Therefore, they are committed to continuous improvement. Moreover, innovators are resilient in the face of setbacks and use failure as a springboard for future success.

Identifying Innovators

Universities can identify innovators by focusing on outcomes rather than years of experience. Years of service or academic rank don’t always reflect an individual’s capacity for innovation and impact. Instead, universities can look for evidence of innovation and creativity in an individual’s track record of accomplishments, such as:

1. Research and Scholarship: Seek innovators with a history of groundbreaking research, creative projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Consider factors such as the impact of their research, publications in top-tier journals, patents, awards, and recognition from peers.
2. Teaching and Learning: Identify innovators who have demonstrated a commitment to innovative teaching methods, curriculum design, and educational technology. Look for evidence of student engagement, learning outcomes, and teaching awards or recognition.
3. Administrative Leadership: Seek out innovators who have a proven track record of driving positive change within their administrative roles. Seek evidence of strategic thinking, effective decisions, and successful innovative initiatives improving efficiency, effectiveness, and student outcomes.
4. Community Engagement and Impact: Evaluate an individual’s impact beyond campus, including community engagement, service-learning, and partnerships with external stakeholders. Look for evidence of meaningful collaborations, community-based research projects, and initiatives that address pressing societal challenges.

Universities can identify and empower innovators who have the potential to drive positive change and make meaningful contributions. This approach recognizes and rewards innovation. It ensures the strategic planning process benefits from the diverse perspectives and expertise of impactful, change-driving individuals.

Cultivating Innovators

Innovators know sustainable change needs more than top-down directives; it requires a culture of innovation throughout the institution. They encourage creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking, empowering faculty, staff, and students to contribute ideas to strategic planning. Cultivating a culture of innovation ensures the institution stays agile, responsive, and resilient against future challenges.

To make a culture where people come up with new ideas, leaders need to:

1. Create innovation spaces, such as maker spaces, business incubators, and entrepreneurship learning centers.
2. Revise promotion criteria to reward those who initiate businesses, collaborate with companies, or spearhead new projects
3. Use websites and apps to get ideas from lots of people and make it easier to make new ideas real.
4. Make sure students and teachers learn about lots of different subjects so they can understand things better.
5. Say it’s okay when things don’t work out because that’s how we learn.

Being too afraid of risks makes universities stop growing. Being brave and trying new things helps universities make new businesses, find new things, and help the world. Universities that don’t change might not be needed anymore.

It’s time for higher education leaders to be brave and make big changes. It’s time for innovators to exist in every aspect of campus life. The future of higher education depends on letting people take risks and make new things happen.

If you are ready to identify and cultivate innovators at your university or college, contact Dr. Theresa Billiot.