Change Management in Education. Transformation and Innovation in Higher Education

Abstract The educational system, like any other living organism, is subject to continuous change, determined by the evolution of society, technological advances, demographic changes, and new pedagogical paradigms. In this dynamic context, change management in education becomes not only a necessity but also an essential component for ensuring the relevance, efficiency, and equity of the system. The issue of change in university education is a complex one, requiring a holistic and multidimensional analysis, both from the perspective of the diversity of factors involved and the large number of aspects it addresses. In the context of this paper, we aim to explore the concept of change management in the university education context, analyzing the challenges, strategies, and role of the actors involved in the process of change-innovation-transformation. Based on the specialized literature as well as the perceptions and attitudes of the main actors of educational change (students and teachers), we will cover various aspects, from identifying the needs for change to their effective implementation and impact assessment, emphasizing the importance of a strategic and participatory approach at the level of university education in Romania.