Leadership competencies for innovability: Bridging theory and practice for sustainable development

PURPOSE: This study explores the critical leadership competencies necessary for fostering innovability— the integration of innovation and sustainability—within organizations, particularly inr education institutions (HEIs) and the business sector. The research seeks to address the gap in understanding how these competencies are developed in HEIs and whether they effectively prepare graduates with the skills needed for the current business context. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to identify robust instruments for measuring these competencies to ensure their practical application in organizational settings. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study employed a rigorous selection process to identify relevant empirical studies published between 2015 and 2024. A total of 53 articles were analyzed to address three key research questions related to the characteristics of innovability leadership, recommendations for developing immovability in organizations, and the methodologies or instruments used to identify these competencies. The analysis involved thematic synthesis and content analysis to extract insights and identify gaps in the existing literature. FINDINGS: The study identifies five key categories of leadership competencies essential for innovability, including strategic leadership, fostering a culture of collaboration, commitment to sustainability, continuous education, and sensitivity to global megatrends. Despite the recognition of these competencies, the study reveals a significant lack of empirical research on their practical implementation and measurement. The findings also highlight the need for robust tools to assess these competencies effectively. Additionally, the study provides several recommendations for developing innovability for their integration into the business sector, emphasizing the importance of leadership development programs, the integration of sustainability into corporate strategy, and the promotion of a collaborative organizational culture. IMPLICATIONS: Theoretically, the study contributes to the conceptual framework of innovability leadership by identifying critical competencies and suggesting a more integrated approach to leadership development in business education. Practically, the research underscores the importance of developing targeted training programs and assessment tools to cultivate these competencies in future leaders. This is particularly relevant for business schools, which play a crucial role in preparing students to address complex global challenges. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a detailed examination of the competencies required for innovability leadership and proposing directions for future research and practice. It offers a unique contribution by bridging the theoretical and practical aspects of innovability in leadership, particularly within the context of higher education.