Towards an Institutional Framework for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Latin American Universities
- Analytikus
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education environments has prompted Latin American universities to rethink their pedagogical practices, management models, and institutional capacities. Over the past two years, many institutions have begun integrating these technologies through pilot programs in specific courses, initial curriculum updates, and support tools for students and faculty. While these experiences represent a relevant starting point, they still face operational challenges—such as scalability, institutional coordination, and alignment with long-term educational goals—as well as regulatory and even ethical issues.
In this context, the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education—coordinated by the Inter-American Dialogue, with support from Microsoft and Analytikus, and participation from universities in six countries across the region—has served as a space for exchange, collaborative learning, and strategic reflection during this period of innovation.
The technical note presented below outlines the main challenges identified by universities in integrating AI into their contexts. At the same time, it highlights a series of best practices identified and organized around four thematic pillars: curriculum adaptation, learning assessment, faculty training, and student support. The technical note offers a guide about the necessary conditions for effective institutional adoption of AI, considering the following principles:
Anchor change at the institutional level: vision, leadership, and alignment;
Actively involve the stakeholders in implementing the changes from the outset;
Build capacities progressively, with a context-sensitive approach;
Test, evaluate, and adjust based on evidence;
Design from the start for equity, sustainability, and ethics.
The work of the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education highlighted not only the speed at which Latin American universities are responding to the emergence of AI, but also the diversity of approaches they are exploring to integrate it in meaningful, ethical, and contextually appropriate ways. Despite common technological, pedagogical, and organizational challenges, the participating institutions demonstrated that it is possible to move forward with contextualized, innovative, and collaborative strategies grounded in their capacities and values.
During its first year of operation, the group included Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico), Universidad ORT (Uruguay), Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios or UNIMINUTO (Colombia), and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Chile).
