This study aims to examine the influence of leadership styles on institutional transformation and to identify adaptive strategies for effective change management in the context of Indonesian Public Universities (PTNs) striving to achieve world-class university (WCU) status. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 125 universities through a hybrid questionnaire method involving Rectors, Directors, Vice Rectors, and Vice Directors as representatives. This study employed logistic regression to analyze the influence of leadership styles on the likelihood of PTNs achieving WCU status, alongside Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for deeper insights. The study results indicate that transcollegial leadership increases the likelihood of universities achieving WCU status by 35%, while digital and entrepreneurial leadership contribute 25% and 20%, respectively. The primary challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, resistance to change, and regulatory limitations. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions by identifying adaptive leadership strategies tailored to the unique contexts of PTNs. This study is significant as it addresses the leadership challenges specific to Indonesian public universities in their pursuit of international recognition, providing practical and theoretical insights for achieving sustainable transformation. Future research could examine how leadership styles interact with institutional policies and external factors, such as global rankings and funding mechanisms, to achieve and sustain WCU status. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different regions or educational systems could provide broader insights into effective strategies for institutional transformation.

This study aims to systematically map the intellectual landscape of digital leadership in higher education through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. As higher education institutions undergo accelerated digital transformation, understanding of how digital leadership has evolved, which themes dominate scholarly discourse, and where research gaps lie becomes crucial for both academic and institutional development. Using the Scopus database, 158 relevant documents from 2016 to mid-2025 were analyzed through Biblioshiny, VOS viewer, and Biblioplot to identify research trends, influential authors and institutions, and emerging thematic clusters. The results indicate that digital leadership is an increasingly relevant yet fragmented field, with dominant themes such as digital transformation, e-leadership, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence. Influential contributions have come from scholars and institutions in Europe and Southeast Asia, with the University of Patras and the University of Malaya emerging as key knowledge hubs. Thematic evolution analysis reveals a gradual shift from technology-focused leadership to more human-centered frameworks that prioritize organizational culture, emotional intelligence, and sustainability. Co-occurrence and overlay visualizations further highlight promising but underexplored areas such as principal digital leadership, digital citizenship, and regional perspectives, particularly in Africa and Asia. This study recommends that future research expands its focus to include interdisciplinary approaches and more diverse cultural contexts.