Cited by 291Artificial Intelligence in EducationEducational Innovations and ChallengesHigher Education Governance and Development

Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Higher Education Institutions: A Systems Approach

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Katsamakas, Evangelos, Pavlov, Oleg V., Saklad, Ryan·2024·Sustainability

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) advances and the rapid adoption of generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, present new opportunities and challenges for higher education. While substantial literature discusses AI in higher education, there is a lack of a systems approach that captures a holistic view of the structure and dynamics of the AI transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs). To fill this gap, this article develops a causal loop diagram (CLD) to map the causal feedback mechanisms of AI transformation in a typical HEI. We identify important variables and their relationships and map multiple reinforcing and balancing feedback loops accounting for the forces that drive the AI transformation and its impact on value creation in a typical HEI. The model shows how, motivated by AI technology advances, the HEI can invest in AI to improve student learning, research, and administration while dealing with academic integrity problems and adapting to job market changes by emphasizing AI-complementary student skills. We explore model insights, scenarios, and policy interventions and recommend that HEI leaders become systems thinkers to manage the complexity of the AI transformation and benefit from the AI feedback loops while avoiding policy traps that may lead to decline. We also discuss the notion of HEIs influencing the direction of AI and directions for future research on AI transformation and the sustainability of HEIs.

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Crossref · 10.3390/su16146118

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Authors
Katsamakas, E., Pavlov, O. V., & Saklad, R.
Affiliations
  • Fordham University (US)
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Katsamakas, Evangelos
Venue
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-07-17
Volume
16
Issue
14
Pages
6118
ISSN
2071-1050 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4400722535
Cited by
195
References
106
Citations by year
2026: 116 · 2025: 71 · 2024: 7 · 2022: 1
FWCI
72.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Educational Innovations and Challenges
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Higher Education Governance and Development
Keywords
artificial intelligence in higher education, generative AI, ChatGPT, higher education institutions, AI transformation, causal loop diagrams, feedback loops, systems thinking, academic integrity, AI policy, sustainability of higher education, value creation

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