Innovative Models for Sustainable Professional Development of Higher Education Faculty

The study explores contemporary paradigms and innovative models for sustainable professional development of university faculty in the context of global digital transformation. The research design includes a systematic review of the existing literature and a qualitative analysis of selected case studies and models of innovative practices. The object of the analysis is the seven elements of effective professional development, including a focus on content, active learning and expert support. Sustainability is defined not as a series of isolated events, but as a strategic process aimed at long-term addressing pedagogical challenges through continuous cycles of learning and reflection. The work analyzes key approaches such as the creation of Communities of Practice for mutual observation of teaching, multidimensional mentoring networks and the implementation of competency-based micro-credits. Special attention is paid to the integration of generative AI through adaptive faculty development models – from initial awareness to systematic institutional iteration. International professional standards (Advance HE PSF 2023) and good practices from leading universities (UCL, The Open University) are reviewed. The findings highlight that the success of these innovations depends on an organizational culture that encourages collaboration, and on institutional policies that balance technological advancement with ethical norms and professional autonomy.