< Back to the full 2026 report on Top Risks Managing Risk, Adapting to Change and Positioning for Opportunity in Higher Education 5 min read 2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and OpportunitiesHigher education institutions are navigating a landscape defined by declining enrollment, regulatory volatility, and the urgent need to modernise legacy systems. Protiviti’s global survey of 1,540 cross-industry board members and C-suite leaders highlights how higher education executives are addressing these challenges, balancing cyber threats, talent shortages, and demographic shifts while pursuing growth through AI adoption, ecosystem partnerships, and revenue diversification. The findings reveal a sector confronting immediate risks while embracing opportunities for innovation and long-term sustainability. Read the full report to uncover where your peers are focusing investments, how AI is transforming strategy, and what actions leading institutions are taking to build resilience and drive growth.Download the 2026 education insights13-minute readWatch the 2026 cross-industry webinar60-minutes, on-demand Where higher education leaders see the greatest growth opportunities over the next two to three years Faced with enrollment challenges and financial pressures, institution leaders are uncovering innovative ways to strengthen relevance and sustainability while driving long-term impact. Ecosystem development Revenue potential Geographic expansion Based on a five-point scale assessing agreement/disagreement.Percentages reflect sum of "Agree completely" and "Agree somewhat" responses. Our webinar series Discover how leading executives are turning today’s top risks—AI, cybersecurity, and talent—into tomorrow’s growth. Join us for actionable insights to help your organisation outpace uncertainty and seize new opportunities. Register now Explore featured solutions and industries Pro cloud Cyber Defense and Resilience Recognising the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive academic and personal data, we enhance your institution's cyber governance and response capabilities to ensure operational continuity against evolving threats. Pro Digital Hightech AI Governance and Integration Understanding the complexities of AI adoption in higher education, we provide tailored frameworks and training that empower your institution to integrate AI securely and responsibly across academic and administrative functions. Technology Modernisation and Data Governance Acknowledging the challenges posed by legacy systems, we support your institution’s modernisation efforts to unlock reliable data and establish a robust foundation for analytics innovation. Institutional Effectiveness and Talent Strategies We help institutions align workforce strategies with organisational goals, offering talent development initiatives designed to attract and retain skilled faculty and staff and succession planning solutions that ensure long-term resilience and adaptability. Education Higher education organisations are charged with developing the talent for the next generation. Institutions are evaluating and implementing new programmes and new models of instruction that are essential to address an increasingly diverse population of students. Get more Top Risks insights Discover our full catalog of insight briefs for additional research findings and expert commentary related to the 2026 report on Top Risks. Insights by industry Insights by organisational role Insights by industry Aerospace & Defense CPG & retail Energy & Utilities Financial Services Healthcare Manufacturing & Distribution Private Equity Government Technology, Media & Telecommunications Insights by organisational role Finance Teams Information Security Teams Internal Audit Teams Operations Teams Technology & Data Teams FAQs + EXPAND ALL How are higher education institutions modernising core systems to stay competitive and resilient? + With 55% of executives prioritising infrastructure modernisation and 60% citing legacy systems as barriers, higher education leaders recognise that outdated technology limits agility and increases risk. Institutions are investing in modern platforms and stronger data governance to unlock analytics and responsible AI use. Protiviti supports institutions in upgrading core systems and integrating technology that strengthens reliability and future-readiness. What steps are institutions taking to address cybersecurity threats and protect sensitive data? + Cyber threats are the second-highest near-term risk, with 64% of higher education leaders elevating cybersecurity as a critical investment. Institutions are strengthening cyber governance, incident response, and privacy controls to safeguard academic, research, and personal data. Protiviti helps institutions enhance cybersecurity readiness and resilience through regular testing, scenario exercises, and improved incident response planning. How can higher education institutions realise the value of AI while managing governance and integration challenges? + 57% of executives express concerns about integrating AI within existing systems and establishing enterprise-level governance. Institutions are building AI oversight, role-based training, and robust data practices to ensure responsible adoption. Protiviti partners with higher ed institutions to develop AI governance frameworks, upskill teams, and drive secure, accountable adoption of AI technologies. What strategies are higher education leaders using to adapt enrollment models and sustain revenue growth? + Facing demographic shifts and volatile enrollment, 54% of leaders are pursuing alternative revenue models and expanding offerings aligned with job market trends. This includes certificates, partnerships, and new delivery formats. Protiviti works with institutions to re-evaluate academic portfolios and design strategies that align programmes with market demand and financial sustainability. How are institutions strengthening talent pipelines and leadership continuity amid ongoing workforce challenges? + Talent acquisition and succession remain top risks, with persistent staffing gaps affecting operational effectiveness. Leaders are implementing structured succession planning and skills-based hiring to close capability gaps. Protiviti assists institutions in establishing job architectures, competency pathways, and leadership development programmes that support long-term resilience. Subscribe to our thought leadership Get exclusive access to more content and insights to help you stay ahead. Sign up ✕ Scroll to top Introduction Webinar series Featured solutions and industries More Top Risks insights FAQs
