A Unified Approach to AI Governance in Higher Education

Description

This IDC Perspective explores the critical role of unified AI governance in higher education, emphasizing its integration with institutional strategy to manage risk, ensure ethical use, and foster innovation. Through case studies and a comprehensive framework, the report highlights best practices for aligning governance with academic values, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals while addressing challenges such as fragmented structures, rapid technology evolution, and equity."When AI governance is treated as the backbone of their strategies, universities transform risk into trust - making innovation not only possible but also sustainable and mission-aligned," said Senior Research Manager Matthew Leger, IDC Worldwide Education and EdTech Digital Strategies research program.

Product Code: US54219926

Executive Snapshot

Situation Overview

Governance as a Core Pillar of AI Strategy
- Governance Is Not Glamorous - But Getting It Wrong Can Create Big Problems
  - Why AI Governance Is Especially Challenging in Higher Education
IDC's Unified Framework for AI Governance
- External Forces Driving the Need for AI Governance in Higher Education
The Core of the Unified Framework: Strategy and Oversight Plus Organization and Culture
- Strategy and Oversight: Setting Direction and Owning the Risk
- Organization and Culture: Building the Human Machinery
- Governance Processes: Turning Intent into Practice
  - Assess: Discover, Classify, and Evaluate
  - Operate: Apply Controls and Enable Use
  - Monitor: Measure, Learn, and Adjust
- AI Technology Architecture: Data, Platforms, Applications, Infrastructure
  - Data: The Raw Material
- AI Platforms: Enterprise-Grade AI Under Institutional Control
  - Applications: Where AI Touches People and Processes
  - Infrastructure: Compute, Storage, Networks, and Sustainability
- The Importance of Innovation Enablers in AI Governance
- Responsible AI as an Outcome in Higher Education
- The Importance of Sustainability in AI Governance