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Dynamic Universities: Strategic Leadership for Higher Education’s Turbulent Future

May 15, 2026
Intelligence That Works

Professor David Teece and Sohvi Heaton argue that US universities face mounting financial, enrollment, technological, and political pressures due to declining state funding, rising tuition costs, and eroding public confidence, accelerated by pandemic disruptions.

Forward-thinking universities can shift their management approach and adopt the dynamic capabilities framework by:

  • sensing emerging trends and risks
  • seizing opportunities
  • transforming organizational structures, programs, and culture to stay relevant

Universities ultimately must move beyond efficiency-focused management to embrace continuous adaptation and strategic transformation to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain future.

Prepare for what's next.

ThinkSet magazine, a BRG publication, provides nuanced, multifaceted thinking and expert guidance that help today’s business leaders adopt a more strategic, long-term mindset to prepare for what’s next.