Digital academic leadership (DAL) is a specific and important part of leadership of academic staff and academic leaders in higher education. It refers to the practices, strategies, and competencies required by academic staff and academic leaders in higher education institutions to effectively manage and guide their institutions in the digital age. It encompasses the integration of digital technologies into academic and administrative functions to enhance teaching, research, collaboration, and overall institutional performance.

DAL is important as it is necessary to harness the power of digital technologies to transform higher education institutions, making them more efficient, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the academic community and society at large.

This research investigates the roles, challenges, and strategies of digital academic leadership among research leaders in universities. The research uses qualitative method to involve research leaders from sample universities. Key findings will highlight that successful digital academic leaders need to possess a blend of technological proficiency, strategic vision, and collaborative skills. Research leaders in the digital age need to equip themselves with a range of digital literacy, managing virtual research teams, and leveraging digital tools to enhance research productivity and innovation. Challenges will also be identified, including resistance to change, cybersecurity concerns, and the digital divide. Recommendations for continuous professional development for research leaders and other academic & administrative staff will also be put forward.

The research stresses the necessity for universities to support the development of digital academic leadership to maintain competitive advantage, drive academic excellence in the digital age, and augment academic leadership in research settings. Future research directions can include mixed research methods and longitudinal studies on the impact of digital academic leadership on research outcomes and the exploration of specific digital tools and platforms that can further augment digital academic leadership in research settings.

Keywords: Academic leadership, digital leadership, digital innovations, research teams, professional development.