Open Universities 2.0: Leadership, Strategic Reset and The National Agenda

The purpose of this article was to build upon empirical research, leadership theory, open university practice, and shifting global trends to provide open university leaders with a framework for strategic reset. Strategic reset is re- setting institutions priorities – making leadership choices – and taking actions to build competitive advantage, quality, and service for the future. The foundational pillars of strategic reset are centred around 1) digitalization – specifically online capacity; 2) setting new strategic priorities, and 3) establishing a national footprint that aligns with critical national employment and workforce development needs. A secondary theme that weaves itself through this article is the need for open universities to revitalize their commitment to innovation. The article concludes by offering some tactical actions that open university leaders can consider for framing strategic reset and setting new priorities for the future. These include: 1) streamlined open university models; 2) precision access; 3) building a national service footprint; 4) renewal of critical partnerships; and 5) exploring alternative funding models.