QS AI Capability Framework

A free framework developed specifically for higher education to help institutions understand, benchmark and strengthen AI capability across governance, operations, teaching and research.

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Why AI capability matters

Universities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate responsible and effective AI adoption.

Leaders must balance innovation with governance, ensure investment delivers measurable value, and provide students, faculty and stakeholders with confidence that AI is being implemented responsibly.

Without a structured framework, institutions often struggle to:
1) Understand their current level of AI maturity
2) Align initiatives across departments
3) Prioritise investment effectively
4) Establish governance and accountability
5) Measure progress over time

The QS AI Capability Framework was created to address these challenges.

Watch the Framework explained

Theo Berman introduces the QS AI Capability Framework and explains how it helps higher education institutions assess and develop AI capability.

Built specifically for higher education

Unlike generic AI maturity models, the QS AI Capability Framework was developed exclusively for higher education through collaboration with Microsoft, AWS, Imperial College London, The Wharton School, Monash University, EDHEC Business School, LUISS and UK Government representatives.

The framework evaluates AI capability across:

Governance & leadership

Policies, oversight, ethics and institutional accountability.

Operations & infrastructure
Technology, resources and organisational readiness required to support AI adoption.

Teaching & learning

How AI is being integrated into curriculum design, learning experiences and student support.

Research & innovation

The institution's ability to leverage AI in research activity, collaboration and knowledge creation.

From framework to action

The AI Capability Framework defines what strong institutional AI capability looks like. The next step is understanding how your institution performs against it.

The QS AI Capability Assessments helps universities benchmark AI maturity, identify capability gaps and prioritise future investment across teaching, research, governance and operations.

Explore the AI Capability Assessments

Explore the framework

Access the full QS AI Capability Framework, taxonomy, indicators and resources.

Learn more

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AI Capability Assessments

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AI Capability Framework

Understand and benchmark AI capability across governance, operations, teaching and research.

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What is an AI capability framework?

The QS AI Capability Framework is a higher education-specific model that helps institutions evaluate and strengthen AI capability across governance, operations, teaching and research.

Why was the QS AI Capability Framework created?

The framework was developed to help higher education institutions understand AI maturity, identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions about AI adoption and governance.

How does the framework relate to the QS AI Capability Assessments?

The framework defines what strong institutional AI capability looks like. The QS AI Capability Assessments use the framework to benchmark institutional maturity and identify opportunities for improvement.