Strategic Integration of Generative AI in Higher Education: A Framework for Finnish Universities

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School of Science | Master's thesis

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en

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69

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The advancement of GenAI is transforming higher education across all levels. This research explores the strategic integration of GenAI in Finnish higher education institutions, identifying key opportunities, challenges, and implementation approaches. The research was conducted using a design science approach, with data collected through interviews with managers, IT specialists, faculty members, and students from two Finnish universities. Qualitative analysis of the interviews was conducted with the Gioia method, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the environment and identification of key business needs across six dimensions. The study finds that successful GenAI adoption requires positioning these technologies as an application layer built upon existing AI capabilities rather than standalone initiatives. Findings indicate that GenAI disrupts traditional assessment methodologies, creating significant challenges for verifying student learning while enabling new pedagogical approaches. Technical implementation faces challenges related to resource constraints compared to commercial entities, data governance complexities, and security considerations. Additional dimensions include ethical concerns about equity, access disparities, and environmental sustainability. The artifact created in this research is a comprehensive strategic framework comprising six interconnected components: Strategic Alignment, Educational Transformation, Technical Infrastructure, Ethical Framework, Stakeholder Engagement, and Governance & Implementation. This framework addresses the identified business needs while providing flexibility for different institutional contexts. While this research offers contextual insights specific to Finnish higher education, it can serve as a strategic guide for educational institutions globally. The results highlight the tensions between competing values in GenAI adoption and can act as a framework for designing GenAI implementation strategies that align with institutional missions, technical capabilities, and organizational cultures.

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Karhu, Kimmo

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