The AI Strategy Compass: A human-centred framework for institutional AI change
The integration of artificial intelligence technologies within higher education institutions presents unprecedented challenges that extend far beyond technical implementation. While many universities have initiated AI pilots and experimental projects, the transition from fragmented initiatives to comprehensive institutional transformation remains elusive. This presentation introduced the AI Strategy Compass (AISC), a strategic change framework developed at Breda University of Applied Sciences to address the complex human and organizational dimensions of AI adoption in academic contexts.
The fundamental challenge addressed by the AISC framework stems from the disconnect between technological potential and institutional capacity for meaningful change. Universities frequently find themselves trapped in cycles of isolated AI experiments that fail to achieve cross-departmental collaboration or sustainable scaling. This phenomenon reflects a broader institutional gap between rapid technological advancement and traditional governance structures that operate on extended planning cycles. The framework positions AI implementation not as a technical-rational process, but as a fundamentally human-centered transformation that requires systematic attention to behavioural change, cultural adaptation, and organizational learning.
The AISC framework comprises six interconnected components designed to work synergistically rather than sequentially. The first component, Urgency, transcends crisis-driven narratives to establish shared institutional purpose that aligns external pressures with internal aspirations. This approach shifts organizational discourse from reactive compliance to proactive leadership in AI adoption. The second component, Ambition and Strategy, emphasizes the creation of measurable goals rooted in institutional values while maintaining coherence across both short-term initiatives and long-term strategic vision.
The third component introduces the concept of AI Pioneer Teams, representing a distinctive contribution to change management literature. These teams function as "AI translators" who bridge technical possibilities with educational values and organizational strategy. Importantly, these teams are conceptualized as cross-domain coalitions rather than purely technical units, embodying a distributed leadership model that positions domain expertise at the centre of decision-making processes.
The fourth component, the Programmatic Approach, constitutes the framework's primary methodological innovation. This approach operationalizes institutional vision through structured yet adaptable project management, transforming abstract strategic goals into manageable initiatives with clear scope and objectives. The programmatic approach emphasizes learning instruments over mere deliverables, creating feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement and adaptation.
Communication and Cultural Change comprise the fifth and sixth components, representing what the framework terms "the human heart of change." Communication is reconceptualized as ongoing dialogue rather than information dissemination, emphasizing strategic storytelling and continuous sensemaking. Cultural Change addresses the fundamental assumptions, rituals, and meaning-making processes that shape institutional behaviour, positioning culture as a dynamic and evolving landscape rather than a static organizational characteristic.
The theoretical foundation of the AISC integrates established change management models including Kotter's 8-Step Process, the CRAFT Model, the SCARF Model, and connection-focused frameworks. However, the framework's contribution lies in its synthesis of these approaches with AI-specific considerations that acknowledge the unique challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies in educational contexts. This integration addresses the tension between structure and flexibility that characterizes successful AI implementation initiatives.
Preliminary evidence from Breda University of Applied Sciences demonstrates the framework's practical viability. Implementation has resulted in AI initiatives across multiple departments, increased faculty engagement in AI-related discussions, development of comprehensive AI ethics policies, and a measurable cultural shift from technology-related anxiety to curiosity-driven exploration. Mandatory AI literacy programs for both staff and students have been initiated. While formal impact assessment remains ongoing, early indicators suggest the framework's effectiveness in achieving institution-wide coherence while supporting local adaptation.
The framework addresses common implementation barriers through its systematic approach. Faculty resistance is mitigated through the Communication and Cultural Change components, while digital literacy gaps are addressed through AI Pioneer Team support. Ethical concerns are embedded within the Ambition and Strategy component, ensuring values-based decision-making. Resource disparities are managed through the Programmatic Approach's prioritization mechanisms, and institutional fragmentation is countered by the framework's emphasis on cross-institutional coherence.
The AISC framework represents a significant contribution to the emerging literature on AI adoption in higher education by providing a comprehensive approach that balances technical implementation with human factors. Its emphasis on iteration over linearity, practical implementation guidance, and AI-specific expertise addresses gaps in existing change management frameworks when applied to rapidly evolving technological contexts. The framework functions as a navigational tool rather than a prescriptive checklist, acknowledging the complexity and contextual specificity of institutional AI transformation while providing structured guidance for systematic implementation.
Future research directions include multi-institutional validation studies, longitudinal impact assessment, and cross-cultural adaptability analysis to establish the framework's broader applicability and effectiveness across diverse educational contexts.
View the presentation in full here:
Springael, I. (2025, September 29). The AI Strategy Compass: A human-centred framework for institutional AI change. AIEOU Inaugural Conference, University of Oxford. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17226575
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