SUM Ranked First in the World for Innovation and Visionary Leadership in the 2025 WURI Global Rankings

The University of Mostar has achieved its greatest success since its founding by taking the top position worldwide in the category of Visionary Leadership in the 2025 WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) rankings. In addition to this historic achievement, SUM has made remarkable progress in the overall rankings, securing the 142nd position among the world’s top 400 most innovative universities, as the only institution from Bosnia and Herzegovina to make it onto this prestigious list.

A Historic Milestone for SUM

In the latest WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation), the University of Mostar earned exceptional recognition, ranking first in the world in the category of Visionary Leadership—the highest position SUM has ever attained in any global ranking category. The results were officially announced at the 5th Annual Conference of the Hanseatic League of Universities held in Dumaguete City, where SUM Rector Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić and Assistant Rector and Head of SUMIT, Prof. Dr. Tomislav Volarić, were in attendance.

The program titled "Revolutionizing Education through Visionary Leadership: Driving Digital Transformation and AI Innovation" was recognized as a leading example of a strategic and forward-thinking approach to institutional leadership in the 21st century, emphasizing digital transformation, AI integration, and responsiveness to contemporary societal needs.

This category highlights the university’s ability to lead strategic change in education. Last year, SUM ranked 4th in this category—making this year’s rise to the top a confirmation of consistent excellence in leadership and institutional development.

Outstanding Results in New Strategic Areas

Beyond its top global ranking in Visionary Leadership, the University of Mostar achieved impressive international results in two additional categories:

• In the SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges category, SUM was ranked 4th globally on its first appearance. The program "Shaping a Sustainable World: SDG-Driven Solutions to Tackle Global Challenges" was recognized as a model for integrating sustainable development goals into education through concrete projects, research, and initiatives aligned with UN targets.

• In the Technology Development and Application category—also a first for SUM—the University ranked 13th for its "Smart Syllabus" program, a digital transformation initiative for curriculum planning and monitoring. This project was praised as an innovative solution for modern educational systems.

Climbing the Global Rankings

In addition to these category-specific achievements, the University of Mostar made significant progress in the overall WURI global rankings. Out of over 1,253 institutions from around the world, SUM ranked 142nd among the top 400 most innovative universities globally. Last year, SUM held the 167th position among 300 institutions—marking an advancement of 25 places in just one year. This leap underscores SUM’s consistent growth and increasing global recognition as a university that not only keeps pace with global trends but actively shapes them.

SUM at the 5th Annual Conference of the Hanseatic League

The 2025 WURI results were announced at the 5th Annual Conference of the Hanseatic League of Universities, held from July 9–11, 2025, in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. The conference was opened by Professor Dong Sung Cho, Honorary President of the Hanseatic League, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in education and innovation.

Representing the University of Mostar, Rector Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić and Assistant Rector for Information Technology and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Tomislav Volarić, attended the event in person and witnessed the announcement of SUM’s historic achievements.

Under the theme "Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change", the conference brought together institutions and partners from around the globe, creating a platform for the exchange of ideas and solutions that aim to shape the future of education and sustainable development.

WURI: Innovation with Real-World Impact

Unlike traditional rankings based on academic reputation or publication volume, the WURI rankings—established by the Hanseatic League—assess universities by their ability to generate real societal impact. They value innovation, social responsibility, openness to students, technological advancement, and collaboration with industry.

Evaluations are carried out by rectors and experts from leading global universities. The criteria encompass a broad spectrum of factors, including digital transformation, use of artificial intelligence, student mobility, sustainability initiatives, and inclusivity.

SUM – A Small University with a Big Global Impact

These new recognitions confirm the growing international presence of the University of Mostar on the global higher education map. Through strategic projects, international collaborations, application of cutting-edge technologies, and a commitment to the needs of its community, SUM is emerging as a university of the future—not just for students in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for the wider region as well.

With its ability to rapidly respond to global challenges and its continuous investments in development and academic standards, the University of Mostar has reaffirmed its leadership in innovation, social relevance, and the digital transformation of education.