A new data consortium is urging colleges and universities to take control of their AI future by “owning” their data. The consortium, which includes leading experts in artificial intelligence and higher education, is pushing for institutions to establish strong data governance practices and invest in their own data infrastructure to prevent outside firms from monopolizing their data and reaping the benefits.
The consortium argues that data is the key to unlocking the full potential of AI in higher education, but many institutions are currently ceding control of their data to third-party vendors. These vendors often use the data collected from colleges and universities to develop their own AI tools and solutions, creating a situation where institutions are essentially renting their own data back from these vendors.
By taking control of their data, colleges and universities can ensure that they are the ones benefiting from the insights and innovations that AI can offer. This includes developing AI tools and solutions that are tailored to their specific needs and priorities, as well as creating a more equitable and transparent data ecosystem in higher education.
The consortium is calling on colleges and universities to establish clear data governance policies, including guidelines for data collection, use, and sharing. They also recommend investing in the necessary data infrastructure, such as data warehouses and analytics tools, to enable institutions to effectively leverage their data for AI applications.
In addition to empowering institutions to benefit from AI, owning their data can also help colleges and universities better protect student privacy and data security. By keeping control of their data in-house, institutions can ensure that sensitive student information is handled responsibly and in compliance with relevant regulations.
Ultimately, the consortium believes that colleges and universities have a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI in higher education by taking control of their own data. By establishing strong data governance practices and investing in their data infrastructure, institutions can build a more sustainable and equitable AI ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.