Keywords
Sustainable leadership
Digital transformation of education
Systems thinking
Environmental responsibility
Strategic decision-making
Structural equation modeling (SEM)
Submitted : 2026-03-03
Accepted : 2026-03-18
Published : 2026-04-02
Abstract
Global environmental and socio-economic challenges have intensified the need to cultivate sustainable leadership competencies through educational systems. As education undergoes rapid digital transformation, smart technologies—such as artificial intelligence, adaptive platforms, data analytics, and immersive learning environments—are increasingly integrated into teaching and learning processes. However, their role in fostering sustainable leadership competencies remains insufficiently theorized. This study develops a conceptual model in which smart technology integration contributes to the development of sustainable leadership competencies through a sequential mediation pathway: systems thinking, environmental responsibility, and strategic decision-making. In addition, institutional orientation toward sustainable development is proposed as a moderating factor that strengthens the relationship between smart technology integration and systems thinking. The article advances the literature by bridging research on digital transformation, sustainability, and leadership development within a unified theoretical framework. It also provides a foundation for future empirical validation using structural equation modeling (SEM)/PLS-SEM and offers practical guidance for the design of sustainability-oriented educational programs.
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