ESLTI has collected input from school leaders in Slovenia through interviews and an online focus group (22 December 2025). The aim was to understand what helps innovation last in schools and what challenges leaders see coming next.
Leaders described sustained innovation as something that becomes part of daily practice and continues after a project ends. Several participants said innovation only lasts when staff see real benefit and when the change spreads beyond one person or one small group. They also noted that large schools often face more resistance, while smaller schools can move faster because relationships are closer.
The interviews highlighted strong future pressures. Technology is changing rapidly, including AI and new digital tools. Leaders stressed that schools need real understanding so technology supports learning with purpose, not just appearance. They also pointed to challenges linked to relationships, identity, and social media, and the need for schools to respond in a connected, holistic way.
Across both formats, leaders emphasised competences such as strategic thinking, communication, and the ability to motivate others. They also stressed trust, openness to feedback, and a culture where people feel safe to try, learn, and adjust. Peer learning between colleagues was seen as one of the most effective ways to keep innovation moving, while “external incentives” were mentioned as something that can sometimes distort the point of innovation.
These insights will inform the Competence Profile for School Innovators and the School Team Leadership Guide for Sustainable Innovations.