08 May 2025 
Emma Walton-Pond, Communications Officer
Join NTT DATA Business Solutions at the UHR Virtual Conference on Wednesday 14 May, 12:00 - 12:45pm.
Universities today face a paradox. While the future of higher education increasingly depends on people (their creativity, adaptability, and drive), the systems and strategies supporting them are often rooted in the past. It’s no secret that People Teams across the sector are under pressure. Expectations are rising, resources are stretched, and the competition for academic and professional talent has never been tougher. Yet, amid these challenges, there’s a real opportunity to reframe how institutions approach workforce strategy - not just as a matter of operations, but as a lever for transformation.
At NTT DATA Business Solutions, we believe the time has come to build truly talent-driven universities. Institutions where strategy starts with people. Where intelligent systems support thoughtful decisions, and where HR is not simply reacting to the present but shaping the future.
From Complexity to Clarity
Many universities are managing their workforce through fragmented systems. Recruitment lives in one place, learning in another, performance in a third. Insights are hard to come by, and planning often feels more reactive than proactive. These disconnected environments not only slow things down, but they also make it almost impossible to deliver a seamless employee experience. In an age where staff want purpose, personal growth, and flexibility, that experience matters more than ever.
Our presentation at the UHR Virtual Conference will explore how universities can start to simplify the complex, by consolidating their HR landscape and creating more coherent, data-informed journeys from hire to retire.
The Shift to Skills
We’ll also be talking about a key shift that’s gaining momentum: moving from role-based to skills-based workforce planning. Universities are discovering that when you understand the capabilities your people actually have, you unlock a far more flexible, agile organisation. One that can respond to emerging priorities, nurture internal mobility, and make development more meaningful. This is about more than tracking competencies. It’s about changing the conversation. From “who fits this role” to “who has the skills to drive this strategy?”
Intelligent Technology, Real Insight
Of course, no conversation about modern workforce transformation is complete without touching on AI. There’s a great deal of hype but also genuine value in the way intelligent tools can support People Teams. The challenge? You can’t layer AI onto legacy systems and expect magic.
To use AI effectively, universities need strong foundations: clean, skills-rich data; integrated platforms; and processes that talk to one another. Only then can intelligent tools begin to deliver the insight, predictions, and personalised experiences that institutions are starting to expect. In our presentation, we’ll explore what that preparation looks like and how AI, used well, can support more strategic HR decisions and more empowered teams.
Why This Matters Now
This isn’t just a technology story. It’s a people story. The universities that will thrive in the years ahead are those that can align talent with purpose. That create environments where staff can see a future, grow into it, and feel valued along the way. That’s the essence of a talent-driven university and it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, leadership, and a willingness to do things differently.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
If any of this resonates or if you’re simply curious about where to start, we’d love to have you join us for our business session at the UHR Virtual Conference. We’ll share how universities can take practical steps toward a more connected, intelligent People strategy, grounded in modern platforms such as SAP SuccessFactors, with data-driven insight, and a clear understanding of future workforce needs. By consolidating fragmented systems and embracing a skills-first approach, institutions can create a holistic employee experience that supports every stage of the journey, from recruitment through to retirement. At the same time, this foundation empowers strategic People Teams to move beyond operational delivery and become influential partners in shaping institutional direction. With the right tools and mindset in place, universities can begin to build a future-ready workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and aligned to the evolving demands of students, research priorities, and long-term strategy. If you're exploring how HR can play a more strategic role in your university's next chapter, we’d be delighted to welcome you to the session. We hope to see you there.
Wednesday 14 May, 12:00–12:45pm (Business Sessions Block B)
Topic: Building a Talent-Driven University - Intelligent People, Empowered Teams
