Samenvatting

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly called upon to both respond to and
drive societal change. To better understand how HEIs can enhance their ability to innovate,
an integrative literature review was conducted, examining the concept of innovative
capacity. Key resources, such as social capital and leadership, that support innovative
capacity were identified, and the ways in which these key resources interact to give rise
to innovation outcomes were explored. The findings were synthesized in a conceptual
framework that illuminates the pathways through which the capacity for innovation can
be built and leveraged by HEIs. This framework serves as both a theoretical foundation for
future research and a practical guide for HEI leaders and policymakers seeking to foster
innovation. By leveraging these insights, HEIs can better navigate the challenges of a
rapidly evolving society and reinforce their role as key drivers of knowledge creation and
the complex societal transformations necessary for a sustainable future.