The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Learning Analytics, and Sustainability for Future-Ready Universities

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are rapidly developing to meet Industry 5.0 demands, highlighting human–machine collaboration, sustainability, and institutional resilience. Existing literature primarily explores artificial intelligence (AI), learning analytics (LA), and sustainability as discrete components within HEI. Limited studies examine how these disciplines intersect to impact institutional developments, especially from the perspective of strategic decision-making. Hence, this research explores how HEI leaders perceive the integration of artificial intelligence, learning analytics, and sustainability within strategic planning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 leaders from diverse HEIs using the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory frameworks. Thematic analysis demonstrated that AI and LA improve efficiency and decision-making but face ethical and cultural obstacles, while sustainability is often fragmented despite its reputational value. The results highlight a lack of holistic integration across domains. This research suggests theoretical and practical insights for aligning innovation and sustainable principles to build agile, ethically grounded, and future-ready universities.