Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Strategic Decision-Making for Sustainable University Governance

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology that enhances organizational decision-making by enabling institutions to analyze complex data, generate predictive insights, and support evidence-based governance. In higher education, AI offers significant opportunities to strengthen strategic planning, resource optimization, and institutional sustainability. This study examined the role of Artificial Intelligence-assisted strategic decision-making in promoting sustainable university governance among selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. Specifically, it determined the level of implementation of AI-assisted strategic decision-making, assessed the level of sustainable university governance, examined the significant relationship between the two variables, and developed an Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Strategic Decision-Making Framework for sustainable university governance. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to university administrators involved in institutional planning and governance. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The findings revealed that universities demonstrated a very high level of implementation of Artificial Intelligence-assisted strategic decision-making, with an overall mean of 4.21 (SD = 0.59). Among the dimensions, AI-driven data analytics obtained the highest rating, followed by intelligent resource management, while predictive decision support and automated strategic planning were rated high. Likewise, sustainable AI-driven data analytics university governance was assessed at a very high level with an overall mean of 4.27 (SD = 0.56). Transparency and accountability received the highest rating, followed by strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and institutional sustainability. Correlation analysis further revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between Artificial Intelligence-assisted strategic decision-making and sustainable university governance (r = .821, p < .001), indicating that greater implementation of AI technologies is associated with stronger governance practices. Based on these findings, the study developed an Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Strategic Decision-Making Framework that integrates institutional data sources, AI technologies, intelligent decision support systems, and governance processes to facilitate evidence-based strategic planning, resource optimization, policy formulation, and institutional sustainability. The study concludes that Artificial Intelligence serves as a strategic enabler that enhances governance effectiveness by improving transparency, accountability, leadership, operational efficiency, and long-term institutional resilience. It is recommended that higher education institutions strengthen AI integration in governance, establish comprehensive AI governance policies, invest in digital infrastructure and capacity building, and pilot-test the proposed framework to support sustainable university governance and digital transformation initiatives.