Enhancing AI Adoption through Governance: A State of the Art Systematic Literature Review of IT Governance Mechanisms for Effective Digital Transformation with AI Implementation

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a cornerstone of digital transformation, organizations face growing challenges in adopting AI effectively and responsibly. This study investigates the role of IT governance in supporting AI adoption by conducting a systematic literature review of empirical and theoretical research from 2015 to 2025. Using a concept-centric approach, the review identifies twelve conceptual IT governance mechanisms that influence AI adoption, categorized into structure, relational, and process mechanisms. These mechanisms, such as “Domain-Expert Collaboration”, “Iterative AI Implementation”, “CIO Importance”, and “Developing a Safe Algorithm”, impact digital transformation dimensions used to determine a company’s digital transformation. While many mechanisms reinforce ambidextrous governance models, three newly emphasized ones; “AI Oversight Role”, “Using Available Tools”, and “Humans in the Loop”, potentially extend existing frameworks to address AI-specific needs. The findings highlight the necessity of adaptive, people-centered, and flexible governance structures for successful AI integration. This study provides practical insights for organizations aiming to align governance strategies with AI-driven innovation and transformation.