Digital Leadership in Education: A Systematic Review of Its Impact on Teaching Innovation and Student Engagement

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines how digital leadership influences teaching innovation and student engagement in educational settings. Using the PRISMA 2020 framework, 25 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed from an initial pool of 1,024 records across Scopus, ERIC, and Google Scholar. Findings reveal that effective digital leadership fosters innovation through professional development, collaboration, and technology-driven pedagogical transformation. School leaders who provide digital capacity-building, promote shared vision, and model innovative practices significantly enhance teachers’ instructional creativity and students’ active engagement; however, barriers such as limited resources, inadequate training, and resistance to change hinder full implementation. The review concludes that strengthening digital leadership is critical for sustaining teaching innovation and building resilient, future-ready learning environments. Educational policymakers and institutions are encouraged to invest in leadership development programs that align with ongoing digital transformation efforts.