A one day collaboratory workshop took place recently, hosted by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy and the Society for the Advancement of Management Studies. Drawing on expertise in innovative collaboratory methodologies which promote the co-creation of knowledge, the proposed interactive workshop brought together academics, including early career and doctoral researchers, NGOs and leaders in the field to discuss contemporary leadership challenges for humanitarian leadership and identify key knowledge gaps in humanitarian leadership research and education.

The aim of the collaboratory workshop was to bring together academics and practitioners with an interest in humanitarian aid to consider the leadership educations needs of front-line aid workers. In framing the focus of the day, the organisers took the broadest possible view of what might constitute humanitarian aid and hence who might have an interest in this issue. Through sharing knowledge, experience and perspectives on humanitarian leadership the collaboratory workshop sought to facilitate the development of a more nuanced understanding of humanitarian leadership, leading to the development of more effective leadership learning interventions for front-line leaders in this important field. In adopting innovative collaboratory principles the workshop format offered a unique space for concerned stakeholders to meet on an equal basis to co-create new solutions and with the shared purpose of developing actionable outcomes.

The collaboratory attracted a good mix of academics (including ECRs), practitioners and doctoral students, and there was a lively and collaborative atmosphere throughout the day. It is hoped that the attendees will become part of a network of interested stakeholders, helping to enrich understanding of humanitarian leadership, to identify a research agenda and to inform management education.

Thank you to Dr Marian Iszatt-White, Dr Valerie Stead and Professor Claire Leitch for organising this event.