The market no longer needs just managers – it needs transformation leaders
Business today operates in an environment where risks and changes outweigh stability. As a result, the market expects managers to have hybrid competencies, respond quickly, and be able to operate under uncertainty. Prof. Dr. Vida Davidavičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Business Management at VILNIUS TECH, explains how transformation is reshaping the structure of competencies, the content of MBA programs, and attitudes toward the careers of a new generation of leaders.
These changes are most clearly reflected in today’s generation of managers itself.
“Modern managers change career directions more frequently, invest more actively in developing their competencies, value flexibility and work-life balance, and focus on international opportunities. This generation adopts technological solutions faster, naturally uses digital tools, works remotely, and manages virtual teams,” she says.
According to her, today’s managers also stand out for their pragmatic approach to learning and career development.
“We see this in the profile of MBA and master’s students at the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Business Management — a large share of them already hold managerial positions or are seeking a career breakthrough,” says V. Davidavičienė.
Managers’ determination to continuously learn is also driven by an increasingly complex business environment. A whirlwind of economic, geopolitical, and technological changes is reshaping employers’ expectations — organizations are increasingly looking not for narrowly specialized managers, but for leaders who can successfully juggle different fields and solve complex problems.
“Today’s managers must understand business, technology, communication, and organizational management. Therefore, study programs are incorporating more integrated modules, project-based learning, and real business cases. Globally, modular learning, micro-credentials, and hybrid study models are gaining popularity. Managers want to learn quickly, purposefully, and combine studies with work. That’s why study programs are designed with business feedback and real organizational needs in mind,” she explains.
[caption id="attachment_114795" align="alignnone" width="2530"] Prof. Dr. Vida Davidavičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Business Management at VILNIUS TECH[/caption]
At the same time, the role of a manager is evolving — they are increasingly becoming transformation leaders within organizations, responsible not only for growth but also for stability.
“In recent conferences, it is often emphasized that managers are not just decision-makers, but also drivers of organizational transformation. This means they need a broader range of competencies — from understanding technology to empowering people. A clear trend is that employers expect continuous learning. A diploma is becoming a starting point, not a final goal,” she states.
These changes inevitably affect how study content is developed. According to V. Davidavičienė, study programs are currently evolving in three main directions: digitalization, interdisciplinarity, and a focus on real business impact.
“There are several key aspects transforming study programs. First is sustainability and the green transition, meaning broader integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Business Management applies this approach in studies, research, and collaboration with business. The second aspect is the integration of technology, management, and business, along with the specifics of digital transformation and evolving managerial competencies. All of this allows us not only to respond to global trends but also to actively shape them in the region,” she says.
International practice shows that classical methods are no longer sufficient — there is a shift away from theory for theory’s sake toward solutions that address real organizational challenges.
“This is particularly relevant in MBA programs. Recently, there has been a stronger emphasis on integrating technology topics: artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. These are closely linked to sustainable business models, the circular economy, and responsible resource management. Today, managers must understand technology not as an IT function, but as a strategic business driver,” she emphasizes.
Learning Beyond the Diploma
The learning process is also heavily influenced by the growing importance of technology — AI, for instance, is becoming an everyday work tool.
“Competence in applying AI is now one of the most important skills for both specialists and managers. The ability to use AI effectively significantly expands decision-making possibilities, enables faster information analysis, idea generation, and improves work quality. However, in practice, AI tools are still often used at the level of single-sentence prompts, without leveraging their full potential or recognizing inaccuracies or so-called hallucinations,” she notes.
As a result, business studies increasingly focus not only on using AI, but also on critically evaluating it — understanding when technology creates value and when it may mislead.
The structure of managerial competencies is also changing — technological, strategic, and leadership skills are becoming more important, along with the ability to manage risks and understand the broader organizational context.
“A new profile of the future leader is emerging — someone who can combine managerial and technological competencies, make decisions under uncertainty, manage organizational transformation, foster innovation, and strengthen resilience and sustainability,” says the dean.
Security is also becoming an increasingly important part of the competency structure — organizations must not only grow but remain resilient. Cyber threats and regulatory frameworks are clearly demonstrating the need for broader security and risk management capabilities among managers.
Global Experience and Specialized Competencies
The changes highlighted by V. Davidavičienė are reflected in MBA program content, which is increasingly focused on practical application, internationalization, and specialization.
“VILNIUS TECH MBA programs are designed to develop high-level competencies in managers and specialists, integrate technology, and provide international experience. They are particularly suitable for those with non-social sciences backgrounds. The studies integrate knowledge of management, technology, economics, and innovation,” she explains.
A major advantage is the opportunity to complete a double degree in partnership with the University of Montpellier in France.
“Students who choose the ‘Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ module can spend a semester at the University of Montpellier. If they complete at least 45% of credits there, they receive master’s degrees from both universities,” she explains.
Hybrid study formats are also a key benefit, allowing students to combine studies with professional work while still engaging in live academic collaboration and discussions. Exams are held at VILNIUS TECH premises to ensure academic integrity.
The dean also notes that a new MBA in Cybersecurity Management program is launching this year, aimed at equipping leaders to manage cyber risks at a strategic level.
“Automation, cloud solutions, and AI expand organizational capabilities but also increase security challenges. International organizations such as the OECD, ENISA, and the World Economic Forum identify cyber threats as one of the most significant global risks. Additionally, regulations like the NIS2 Directive, DORA, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001 standards require organizations to strengthen cybersecurity management and ensure managerial competence,” she says.
A distinctive feature of these programs is the practical research project completed in the final module, where students solve real organizational problems and present results in a poster format to business representatives and experts.
“From this year, students can carry out projects not only in Lithuania or France but also in South Africa, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria. This allows them to analyze different markets, cultural business practices, and global challenges. The MBA model reflects the strategic direction of VILNIUS TECH — to prepare globally minded leaders who understand technology and build resilient organizations,” she says.
A Tool for Career Transformation
Discussing the value of MBA studies, the dean notes that students typically expect career growth, new leadership opportunities, professional connections, and networking. However, even more important is the ability to see the organization systemically, better understand business processes, and confidently take on strategic initiatives.
“MBA studies become a platform for transformation — from functional specialists into strategic leaders capable of operating in the context of technology, innovation, and global change,” she says.
According to her, those considering MBA studies should clearly define their goals.
“When choosing a program, the context of a technological university is important, as it helps managers better understand both business and technology. An MBA is an investment, so it’s important to select a program that aligns with career plans. I recommend paying attention to program content, lecturers, networking opportunities, and flexibility. An MBA is most valuable for those who want to grow and take on greater responsibility,” advises the dean of the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Business Management.
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