Generative AI in Higher Education

Strategic coordination is urgently needed in the area of Generative AI in Higher Education to prevent capacity fragmentation, a new report into the area has warned.

The report – Generative AI in Higher Education Teaching and Learning: Sectoral Perspectives – was commissioned as part of the Higher Education Authority’s evidence-led approach to policy development.

The report captures the views of staff, students, and leaders across the Irish higher education system on the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

It brings together insights from ten thematic focus groups and a leadership summit, involving over 80 participants from across Ireland’s higher education institutions, alongside student representatives and sectoral stakeholders.

The report revealed that:

• The sector is moving rapidly but unevenly and to prevent capacity fragmentation, a coordinated national approach is needed.
• The educational purpose of AI should be re-examined as it challenges fundamental values of authorship, assessment, and academic integrity.
• Inclusion and equity must be embedded to ensure AI supports, rather than undermines, accessibility.
• Assessment practices should evolve towards authentic, process-based models that reflect AI realities.
• Staff and students need structured support, professional development, and partnership opportunities.
• Governance and infrastructure should extend beyond tools to ethical frameworks, procurement guidance and institutional readiness.
• Leadership should shape the AI transition through vision, values and national coherence.

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