Policy significance statement

This study underscores the critical need for policy and education leaders to adopt and implement comprehensive and inclusive policies in higher education to effectively leverage the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). Our analysis shows sharp disparities in GAI readiness across top universities, which implies an impending widening of educational inequalities in the absence of effective policy measures. Policymakers must prioritize the development of robust GAI integration strategies that not only enhance curricula with essential AI skills and ethics but also ensure equitable access for all individuals and institutions. By systematically aligning educational frameworks with the evolving demands of the AI era, we can equip graduates with the necessary tools to thrive in a digitally driven future under transformative technological advancement.

The authors apologise for these errors.