WURI 2025: University of Mostar Ranked First in the World in Visionary Leadership

In the 2025 edition of the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation), the University of Mostar achieved the top global position in the category of Visionary Leadership. This marks the highest ranking the University has ever achieved on this prestigious list and represents its greatest success since its founding. The recognition was awarded for the strategic programme “Revolutionizing Education through Visionary Leadership: Driving Digital Transformation and AI Innovation.”

The Visionary Leadership (B1) category recognises institutions that successfully shape and implement visions capable of transforming education through innovation, technology, and strategic governance in the face of modern challenges.

Prof. Zoran Tomić, PhD – The Visionary Behind the Success

At the heart of this historic achievement is the Rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Zoran Tomić, PhD, whose visionary leadership has proven decisive in the University’s international recognition.

“This award is not merely a symbolic statistical result—it confirms that with limited resources but a courageous vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment, it is possible to reach the very top of the world. We did not see our academic reality as a limitation or obstacle, but transformed it into a global example. Rather than being constrained by our challenges, we created the conditions for growth, clearly defined our mission, and secured the University’s place among the top institutions globally. SUM has shown that smaller universities, with a clear direction and culture of innovation, can shape the educational paradigm of the 21st century. Being number one in the world is not just an honour—it is a responsibility to keep leading change in higher education,” stated Prof. Tomić.

Under his leadership, alongside the University’s Management Board comprising Vice-Rectors Prof. Sanja Bijakšić, Prof. Ivo Čolak, Prof. Milenko Bevanda, Prof. Zdenko Klepić, and Assistants to the Rector Prof. Tomislav Volarić, Prof. Vesna Kazazić, and Prof. Stjepan Skoko, the University of Mostar has undergone institutional integration and deep system transformation. This includes full digital transformation across all levels of education and the development of advanced AI-powered tools. The University effectively navigated the COVID-19 crisis, reformed its education system, secured financial sustainability, and established long-term partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders.

A strong focus has also been placed on international engagement through active participation in global networks, positioning the University of Mostar as a respected partner on the world academic stage. Through strategic initiatives, the University has affirmed its identity as a progressive, tech-empowered institution, capable of generating knowledge and innovation beyond local and regional boundaries.

Strategic Leadership that Positioned SUM at the Top of Global Higher Education

The awarded programme has been recognised as a model for comprehensive digital transformation in higher education—ranging from the design of a digital learning ecosystem and AI integration in academic and administrative processes to institutional agility and enhanced social impact. This major international recognition reflects long-term strategic planning and systematic implementation of innovation. As a global leader in Visionary Leadership, the University of Mostar not only responds to the challenges of modern education—it actively reshapes them, setting new standards of excellence.

Visionary Leadership – A Pillar of Global Excellence

The Visionary Leadership (B1) category values a university’s ability to anticipate and shape the future of education through long-term vision, innovative methodologies, institutional resilience, and digital agility. The WURI evaluation panel—composed of rectors and experts from top global universities—acknowledged SUM’s ability to transform its academic context into a global model.

Recognised as a “small university with a strong global impact,” SUM has joined the ranks of leading institutions shaping a new era of education—one that is inclusive, digitally empowered, and socially responsible.

SUM Among the World’s Most Innovative Universities

In addition to its top ranking in Visionary Leadership, the University of Mostar also advanced on the overall WURI list, placing 142nd among the 400 most innovative universities in the world. Among more than 1,250 participating institutions, SUM is the only higher education institution from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be ranked, further confirming its international visibility and strategic relevance.