From June 3 to 6, 2025, the second edition of the Barcelona Summer School on Higher Education Policy and Management took place at the Hub Social in Barcelona, bringing together participants from different continents and international experts, speakers, and facilitators. Organized by the GUNi HE Leadership and Management Hub, this four-day program offered a dynamic space for dialogue, peer learning, and institutional reflection, focused on building more resilient, socially committed, and visionary higher education systems.

Day 1: Universities as complex organizations. Transformative leadership and change management

The Summer School opened with a welcome from Josep M. Vilalta, director of GUNi, and a dynamic ice-breaking session that helped build trust, openness, and shared purpose among participants from around the world. Also, Ismael Palacín, Director of Fundació Bofill and Hub Social, welcomed and emphasized the transformative power of education as a tool for equity and social justice. 

The morning focused on transformative leadership, highlighting ethics, empathy, courage, and self-awareness as core capacities for institutional change. Through a hands-on workbook, participants began engaging with the Inner Development Goals (IDGs)—a framework that would guide reflection throughout the week.

Afternoon debates centered on universities as complex organizations, challenging traditional governance models and promoting institutional missions aligned with current societal challenges. In a session on change management, Josep Maria Vilalta urged: “Instead of focusing on daily management, we should focus on our vision—not adding more bureaucracy to our already collapsed universities.”

The day ended with a welcome cocktail and informal networking at the historic University of Barcelona (UB), fostering intercultural connection and shared inspiration.

Day 2: Emerging topics for the transformation of higher education agenda (I) Shared agendas & alliances / Artificial intelligence

The day began with a reflection by Antonio Casado, focusing on leadership from within and the personal dimensions of institutional transformation.

Morning sessions explored the role of universities in shared agenda strategies for sustainable development and the importance of stronger alliances with cities and local actors. A participatory workshop facilitated the co-creation of visions for university–city collaboration.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, followed by a debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for higher education, in the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – BarcelonaTech (UPC). “We need data sovereignty,” warned Davinia Hernández-Leo, calling on HEIs to both educate about AI’s risks and benefits and establish sound ethical protocols. Ulises Cortés reminded the group: “Education is about responsibility. The incarnation of knowledge is reading.”

Day 3: Emerging topics for the transformation of higher education agenda (II) Research and Innovation / Sustainability

The third day focused on research and innovation leadership, including policies, strategy, and the challenges of ensuring social relevance in knowledge production. A visit to the 22@ Innovation District connected theory with practice, illustrating the role of universities in driving urban and economic transformation.

In the afternoon, the program centered on sustainability at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC). A workshop invited participants to use the IDG workbook to reflect on long-term leadership strategies, co-designing ways to embed ecological and social responsibility into university structures and governance models.

Day 4: Leading and managing universities in the 21st century

The final day addressed the evolving role of HEIs within global ecosystems, placing emphasis on collaboration, values, and network leadership. “There is something about women’s competence in HEIs—we are bridges,” said Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, recognizing the often-invisible leadership of women in internationalization and dialogue.

“How useful is a HEI if it’s not focused on social impact?” asked Sara López, underscoring the need for active listening and institutional alignment with social needs. Dorothy Kelly emphasized intercultural skills as foundational to leadership: “Listen, respect, empathy. These are not soft skills—they are basic skills.”

The final session included a workshop on transformative leadership and a collective reflection, reinforcing participants’ commitments and consolidating an international community of practice.

Throughout the week, participants worked daily on the custom workbook based on the Inner Development Goals, connecting personal development to institutional innovation. The program combined intellectual depth, practical tools, and human connection, consolidating the Summer School as a leading space for global HE leadership training.

Want to know more?

• Get to know the international lecturers and speakers
• Read the full programme
• Download the workbook
• Check out the photo gallery
• All about the 1st edition
• Watch the video