Strategic Planning in Higher Education

In a rapidly changing world, higher education faces challenges brought by digital transformation, demographic changes, increasing labor market demands, and internationalization. The Croatian context is further complicated by the emigration of highly educated young people, low investment in science, and the fragmentation of the higher education system.

This learning unit provides broad insight into the processes of strategic planning in higher education. Through theoretical grounding and practical examples, participants will gain an understanding of key concepts, methodologies, and best practices in strategic planning.

In this lesson, participants will:

• i. explain the concept and importance of strategic planning in higher education through theoretical and practical aspects (2/understanding);
• ii. analyze key components of a strategic plan, including mission, vision, goals, and values (4/analyzing);
• iii. apply theoretical models to concrete cases from domestic and international practice (3/applying);
• iv. differentiate between the phases of the strategic planning process (2/understanding);
• v. critically evaluate the role of digital transformation in the strategic planning of higher education institutions (6/evaluating);