Artificial intelligence: impacts on higher education institutions. A literature review

Purpose This study offers an institution-wide and multilevel synthesis of the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education institutions (HEIs), explicitly integrating managerial, pedagogical, professional, ethical and emerging cultural-cognitive dimensions, proposing a more holistic analytical framework that captures systemic, behavioral and sociocultural transformations in higher education. Design/methodology/approach The review adopted an exploratory-descriptive systematic literature review design to identify, classify and synthesize evidence on the strategic, pedagogical, technological and ethical implications of AI implementation in HEIs. Findings For higher education leaders and policymakers, the findings suggest at least three actionable priorities: (1) the establishment of institutional AI governance frameworks and ethical guidelines; (2) systematic faculty training in AI literacy and academic integrity; and (3) the integration of AI into pedagogical strategies while safeguarding equity, privacy and transparency. Research limitations/implications The lack of research on its role in the community and its relationship with other HEIs characterizes the limitation of the study. Practical implications Higher education administrators need to understand the emerging landscape with the advent of AI. Administrators are increasingly required to manage information governance and its implications. Social implications This new reality offers countless possibilities for the emergence of a more inclusive education, enabling full and disruptive development. Originality/value This study offers a multifaceted view of the impacts of AI on HEIs, guiding administrators in managing disruptive environments.