Demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI): a student-led framework for effective AI integration in higher education leadership development

This developmental paper presents a student-led framework for the effective integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Higher Education (HE) to prepare future decision-makers and leaders. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 44 postgraduate students—current professionals based in Albania, the UK, and Greece. The findings informed the design of the framework and offer insights into how students perceive the role of AI in leadership preparation. Grounded in ethical and adaptive leadership theories, the framework supports the development of skills and mindsets necessary to lead through AI-driven change. Notably, 88% of respondents highlighted the need for ongoing professional development to build both AI literacy and leadership capabilities. While exploratory in nature, the study contributes to the growing discourse on how GenAI can support the emergence of ethical, adaptive, and responsible leadership in HE contexts. The paper invites further research and institutional engagement with student-led approaches to AI integration in curricula and leadership development.