On January 20, 2026, an online focus group titled “Competences for Sustainable Innovation in Schools” brought together 18 members of school leadership teams from across the country, including principals, deputy principals, senior teachers, and innovation coordinators.
The discussion highlighted a shared understanding that sustainable innovation is not a one-off initiative but a long-term process embedded in school culture, strategy, and daily practice. Participants emphasized that investing in people – their mindsets, skills, and professional development – is more important than investing solely in infrastructure or facilities.
Inspirational school innovators were described not through formal roles, but through their ability to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and create a sense of shared purpose. Mentorship, shared leadership, and team-based approaches were identified as key drivers of long-term impact.
The focus group outlined a comprehensive competence profile for sustainable innovation leaders, combining strategic thinking, communication and collaboration skills, openness to experimentation, and strong human values such as empathy, trust, and belief in others’ potential. The discussion concluded with a clear message: sustainable innovation is driven by human-centered leadership and a commitment to meaningful change.
The key takeaway?
- Innovation is a long-term cultural process, not a one-time project.
- Trust, empathy, and shared leadership matter more than infrastructure.
- Sustainable change starts with people and their mindsets.
Thank you to all participants for the inspiring discussion and shared insights. More to come!