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A Unified Approach to AI Governance in Higher Education

Publisher IDC
Published Jan 22, 2026
Length 14 Pages
SKU # IDC20787006

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.

Table of Contents

14 Pages

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

Advice for the Technology Buyer

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Related Research

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