Success factors of innovative universities

Dara Melnyk researched why some universities are more successful in improving higher education systems than others. Her study identified several key factors, including:
A positive attitude towards innovation.
Driven and diverse leaders who champion and head change.
Autonomy: the freedom to experiment and implement new ideas.
Specialised departments, dedicated to testing and scaling innovative approaches.
A clear intent to share institutional practices.
These findings are based on in-depth case studies of three pioneering universities: Maastricht University (Netherlands), Asian University for Women (Bangladesh), and African Leadership University (Rwanda and Mauritius).
Dara's research culminates in a model of a successful innovative university. The results provide a foundation for practical guidance on how to support and govern institutions aiming to tackle systemic challenges, such as accessibility, quality, or societal relevance.