Innovation in educational leadership research: a proposed model for criteria and measurement indicators in light of the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030

This study aimed to build a proposed model for criteria and indicators of measuring innovation in educational leadership research in light of the Saudi Vision 2030. The reality of innovation in educational leadership research was determined through an electronic questionnaire as part of a pilot study that targeted 28 specialists in leadership, management, and educational planning in Saudi universities. The analysis revealed that 60% of the respondents believe that educational leadership research suffers from repetition and lacks effectiveness in supporting creative ideas. Also, 53% of the respondents think there needs to be more investment in developing innovative strategies and work models that contribute to building innovative capabilities in various research fields that serve the Saudi Vision 2030. On the other hand, 87% of the participants believe that educational leadership research is scalable and can find solutions that enhance the culture of creativity and improve innovation in different work environments. The researcher used the descriptive approach based on documentary analysis with its various approaches to develop the proposed study model. The Delphi Method was applied to a sample of 18 experts through three main rounds to judge the model. The current study adopted indicators that were agreed on their importance and measurability by experts at 70% or more. The proposed model comprised 49 indicators within seven main criteria in its final form. The researcher recommended using this model in evaluating and approving research in educational leadership, whether at the level of institutional research grants or promoting research for faculty members, as well as research of graduate students.