Higher education is facing numerous challenges, and leveraging AI can be a game-changer.

During an interview at ADAPT’s Data & AI Edge, Susan Gibson, Head of Data Analytics and AI at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), shared her insights on how AI is transforming the university landscape.

 

Enhancing Student Experience with AI

Susan discussed the critical role AI plays in addressing the evolving needs of students, especially in the context of rising living costs and the demand for flexible learning solutions.

Prioritising AI investments to generate new revenue streams, improve efficiencies, and enhance the overall student experience.

By providing 24-hour support and predictive insights, UTS aims to offer a seamless and supportive environment for students, regardless of their schedules.

 

Fostering an Innovation Culture

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, and Susan advocated fostering a collaborative environment.

UTS has seen success with cross-functional “tiger teams,” which bring together individuals from various departments to tackle AI-related challenges.

These teams, equipped with training in prompt engineering and AI applications, are driving creative solutions and spurring innovation across the institution.

 

Establishing Responsible AI Practices

The implementation of AI at UTS is guided by a robust policy framework to ensure ethical use and minimise risks.

Susan explained that their AI policy, based on the New South Wales AI Assurance Framework, addresses potential biases and ethical considerations.

This framework helps build trust and ensures that AI initiatives align with the university’s values and commitment to student welfare.

 

Key Takeaways:

Effective AI Deployment: Focus on practical applications of AI to solve specific operational challenges and improve efficiency.

Innovation Culture: Foster a collaborative environment by forming cross-functional teams and providing AI training.

Responsible AI Practices: Implement a strong policy framework to address ethical concerns and ensure responsible AI use.

Contributors
Susan Gibson Head of Data Analytics and AI at the University of Technology Sydney
Digital and data transformational leader who has a rare combination of strategic leadership and technical knowledge. Susan has successfully led many Data... More

Digital and data transformational leader who has a rare combination of strategic leadership and technical knowledge. Susan has successfully led many Data analytics and digital strategies and programs of work. Susan is well regarded by business executives, peers, vendors and her teams as she has the influence, ability and tenacity to drive success, change and innovation. She is a leader who collaborates widely and builds strong and productive relationships across the organisation.

Susan is a passionate advocate for utilising AI in supporting business strategy. In her current role she leads efforts to ensure the ethical implementation of AI at the university. Susan focuses on fostering AI fluency, governance, and technical and organisational change capabilities while balancing opportunities and risks. She has developed clear governance mechanisms, including an AI policy to drive responsible AI utilisation and empower the university’s strategic decision-making and new ways of working.

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Peter Hind Principal Research Analyst at ADAPT
One of the ICT industry’s foremost analysts and commentators, Peter Hind has spent over 25 years advising and talking on topics across... More

One of the ICT industry’s foremost analysts and commentators, Peter Hind has spent over 25 years advising and talking on topics across the technology industry. His primary areas of interest are the potential of technology to transform the way organisations operate, the change management obstacles executives encounter in realising this potential, as well as the tactics and techniques leaders have deployed to overcome these difficulties.​

With roles across IDC, Unisys, NCR, Sigma Data, and others, Peter now takes on multiple roles within ADAPT including the moderation of private events and roundtables, interviewing business executives about the strategies they are pursuing and assisting with the structuring of delegate surveys.​

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