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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.
Insights
Capabilities
Conferences
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.
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:
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.
The QS AI Capability Assessments helps universities benchmark AI maturity, identify capability gaps and prioritise future investment across teaching, research, governance and operations.
Supporting innovation across the institution
From understanding emerging trends to assessing organisational readiness and engaging with sector leaders, our solutions help institutions navigate digital transformation with confidence.
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.