New development initiatives for KI’s managers and leaders
Following a period during which some activities were put on hold, the work on the leadership and development of managers and leaders is now back in full swing. During the first half of 2026, several development initiatives will be launched to support both new and experienced managers and leaders at KI.
KI is currently establishing a new framework for the manager and leadership development. The work was paused in spring 2025 to review and develop the structure, content and format. The work is being carried out in various phases, and the initiatives are designed for different groups within the organisation.
"We are committed to ensuring that the support we offer managers and leaders at KI is of high quality and meets the needs that exist at both the individual and organisational levels. To ensure this, we are currently working on development activities that can strengthen this support,” says Johanna Bäckström, HR Director at KI
Management team development in the spring
During the spring, management team development will be carried out with management teams at the departments and divisions within GVS. The aim is to strengthen KI’s management teams by clarifying their roles and responsibilities and enhancing collaboration and organisational capacity. In 2025, management team development was carried out in several key groups at KI, including the President's management team, the GVS management team, and the Deans’ management teams. This joint effort ensures that the entire organisation works in a consistent and systematic manner to strengthen leadership.
Needs analysis – focus on ‘New to Management’
Work is also currently underway on a comprehensive assessment of the development needs of KI’s managers and leaders. The first priority area is to develop an updated training programme equivalent to the former ‘New to Management’ course, one of the initiatives that has been put on hold. The goal is to be able to offer training during the second half of 2026.
“During the spring, several workshops will be held with managers in both the core business and within GVS to facilitate dialogue and build understanding of the development needs that exist,” says Ulrika Ekblad, Head of Competence Provision Unit, HR Department.
Preliminary study for a digital learning platform (LMS)
During the year, HR will, in parallel with the needs analysis, conduct a preliminary study for a digital learning platform (Learning Management System, LMS). The aim is to explore whether and how an LMS can facilitate the digitisation of learning modules and thus make skills development accessible to both managers and staff.
New leadership development programme
At the end of March, a new leadership development programme, Sustainable Academic Leadership (HAL), will launch, aimed at those who lead without being managers. It is a joint initiative by KI, KTH and SU within the framework of the Stockholm Trio and is being delivered by an external partner.
Existing support: courses, career development and coaching
In addition to these development activities, KI currently offers both courses and career development programmes through the KC Group, which provides managers and staff with support during career transitions and long-term skills development.
Coaching at various levels is also offered to managers, staff and groups who wish to strengthen leadership, improve collaboration and create sustainable working practices in their day-to-day work. The initiatives are tailored to the needs of the individual, the group or the organisation and may include individual coaching, pair coaching or group coaching. Support is booked in consultation with the line manager and HR.