Who We Are

The National Digital Leadership Network (NDLN) is a sector-driven initiative dedicated to strengthening Ireland’s digital Higher Education landscape.

The NDLN was conceived under the N-TUTORR programme to address pressing challenges in higher education’s digital landscape

Supported by funding from THEA and NTUTORR, the network serves as a collaborative platform for industry experts, academics, and university leadership to: 

  • Foster Knowledge Exchange: Encourage the sharing of innovative strategies, best practices, and research to support effective digital transformation. 

  • Promote Strategic Leadership: Provide guidance and policy recommendations that align with both institutional and national priorities. 

  • Unify Digital Efforts: Streamline approaches to digital infrastructure, security, and pedagogical innovations, ensuring cohesive progress across Ireland’s Technological University sector. 

We bring together experts, leaders, and practitioners from across the sector to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities that come with an ever-evolving digital world.

The NDLN supports institutions in navigating the complex range of digital tools and services, ensuring evidence-based decisions that align with both institutional goals and national priorities.

At our core, we value inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration. Every institution has a voice through representation on our Steering Group, fostering diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving.

We are committed to promoting existing expertise while actively creating new resources—such as horizon-scanning reports, best practice guidelines, policy briefs, and case studies—that support meaningful digital transformation in teaching, research, and administration.

Together, we’re shaping a future-ready higher education sector—one that’s innovative, agile, and built on shared knowledge.

Our Principles

Sector-Led and Sector-Focused

The network will be of the sector for the sector, always working toward enhancing the use of digital in our institutions.

Transparency in Operations and Governance

The network will be transparent in both its work and governance.

Sector-Led and Sector-Focused

Promoting Expertise and Supporting Digital Transformation

The network will both promote visibility and sharing of existing expertise and resources, and also actively work on creating and distributing resources that help institutions through digital transformation and digital strategies.

Inclusive Governance and Representation

The network will be inclusive, with at least one representative from each member institution on the Steering Group.

Fostering Collaboration Across Institutions

The network will work toward enhancing opportunities for collaboration.

Sector-Led and Sector-Focused

Network Structure

  • Steering Group

    At the core of the NDLN is the Steering Group, which ensures inclusive governance and strategic direction.

    Each member institution has at least one representative on the Steering Group, fostering broad participation and diverse perspectives.

    This group oversees the network’s priorities, approves major initiatives, and ensures transparency in decision-making.

  • Working Groups & Committees

    To address specific themes and challenges, the NDLN may establish dedicated Working Groups or Committees focused on key areas such as Digital Transformation, Teaching & Learning Innovation, Research, Policy etc.

    These groups allow subject-matter experts to collaborate on targeted projects, develop resources, and share best practices.

  • Advisory Board

    An Advisory Board composed of sector leaders, policy makers, and industry experts can provide high-level guidance, ensuring the network’s activities align with national priorities and emerging trends in higher education and digital technology.

  • Member Institutions

    All participating higher education institutions are integral to the network. Members actively contribute to knowledge-sharing, resource development, and sector-wide collaboration.

    Their input shapes the network’s initiatives, ensuring relevance and impact.

  • Coordination Team

    A dedicated Coordination Team (or Secretariat) manages day-to-day operations, communication, and event planning.

    This team supports the Steering Group, facilitates Working Group activities, and ensures smooth information flow across the network.