New perspectives on Nordic school leadership launched at SSE
School leadership in complex times
Titled "School leadership, management, and governance in complex contexts: Perspectives from the Nordic countries,” the special issue brings together 12 peer-reviewed articles spanning Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The collection examines how educational leaders navigate decentralisation, marketisation, and rising accountability pressures - while still working to uphold equity and trust as core Nordic values.
The event was hosted by guest editors Ema Demir (SSE),Tine Prøitz (University of South East Norway), and Daniel Nordholm (Uppsala University), who opened the day by highlighting the growing need for research that captures the realities of leadership in diverse local settings.
The event began with a lunch in the SSE atrium. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
Presentations from three featured articles
Peter Edlund (Uppsala University) began with a presentation on how Swedish upper secondary school principals create “educational menus” - bundled course offerings designed to attract students in competitive education markets. His research traces the tension between innovation and standardisation in school leadership today.
Presentation by Peter Edlund (Uppsala University), discussing “educational menus” and school leadership in Sweden. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
Elisabeth Hovdhaugen (NIFU, Norway) followed by sharing a study exploring how principals and middle leaders experience stress linked to autonomy and responsibility. Based on a national survey, the study highlights overlapping roles and blurred boundaries that contribute to organisational strain.
Presentation by Elisabeth Hovdhaugen (NIFU, Norway) - on school leadership stress, autonomy, and organisational roles. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
Mette Liljenberg (University of Gothenburg) then presented findings from her study on how school leaders and local education authorities share responsibilities under conflicting policy demands. The research reveals how shifting expectations between collaboration and control affect principals' ability to lead school improvement work effectively.
Presentation by Mette Liljenberg (University of Gothenburg) on shared responsibilities between school leaders and local authorities. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
Panel dialogue and shared reflections
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring all presenters, who reflected on broader challenges in Nordic education governance. Topics included the blurred boundaries of leadership roles, the challenges of novice leaders, and what support systems are needed for sustainable school leadership.
“We’re seeing a shift in how leadership is understood - not just top-down, but as relational and deeply embedded in local practices,” said Tine Sophie Prøitz. “That demands new ways of thinking about both autonomy and accountability.”
Panel discussion with all presenters reflecting on Nordic education governance and leadership challenges. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
Contributions beyond the event
In addition to the presenters, the special issue features contributions from several leading scholars across the Nordic region:
- Mats Benner, Anne Homme, Sølvi Mausethagen, Simon Sjölund, Ane Qvortrup, Alex Mäkiharju, Sakari Hyrkkö, Merete Storgaard, and Johanna Mufic
are among the authors whose work deepens insights into leadership across early childhood, compulsory, and higher education.
Audience during the concluding panel - dialogue on future directions for school leadership across the Nordics. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
A joint effort for research and practice
The special issue was made possible with support from the Handelsbanken Research Foundations, the Swedish and Norwegian Research Councils, and the CLASS research project. SSE’s Center for Educational Leadership and Excellence and House of Governance and Public Policy hosted the event.
“This collection is not only for researchers, but for all who care about the future of Nordic education,” said guest editor Ema Demir. “We hope it fosters dialogue and action across sectors.”
Read the and the full special issue .
A warm moment in the SSE atrium at the lunch before the day's presentations. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg
