A recent report, based on interviews and quantitative research with 115 leaders from universities or research funding institutions worldwide, has been released. The report reveals that 64% of university leaders consider AI governance a pressing issue.
It points out that universities increasingly need to adapt to technological and macro-environmental changes and actively address related challenges. Taking AI governance as an example, overall, universities have not yet adapted to the rapid rise of new technologies, with less than a quarter (23%) of respondents believing that their universities are prepared.
This report aims to clarify the problems and solutions faced by university presidents, vice presidents, and leaders of funding agencies, and provide strategic advice on how university and research funding leaders can seize opportunities to promote the long-term development of universities.
The report shows that over 80% of surveyed university leaders consider "research" and "education" to be the core functions of universities. They believe that high-quality education and excellent research complement each other and promote each other.
According to the respondents, universities need to ensure guarantees in various aspects such as funding, talent, infrastructure, and technology. The vast majority (93%) of respondents stated that more funding is needed to complete tasks such as talent recruitment and retention. Among the surveyed university leaders, nearly four-fifths (78%) consider providing research facilities to be particularly important.
The report states that university leaders generally recognize that universities not only need to play a leading role in monitoring climate change but also need to propose scientific solutions, develop new technologies, and influence policies.
The report was released by the information analytics organization Elsevier. "The report indicates that although people are fully aware of the importance of talent work, the impact of research on society, research facilities, and other related challenges, they are not yet prepared to meet these challenges," said Dr. Nick Fowler, Global Chief Academic Officer at Elsevier. University leaders also see many new opportunities and are confident in conducting excellent research and addressing various challenges. (End)
(Original title: Report: Over 60% of surveyed university leaders view AI governance as a top priority)
