Generative AI Governance in Higher Education (Systematic Literature Review)
Author:
Mohammed Abdullah Al Mutawtah
PhD in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning, Lancaster University, England
doi.org/10.52132/Ajrsp.e.2026.87.2
This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of generative AI governance in higher education during the period 2022–2026, in light of the rapid expansion of the use of big language models and content generation applications within universities. The study adopted a comprehensive scope review methodology, guided by the SALSA framework for the research, evaluation, synthesis, and analysis phases, and by PRISMA-ScR guidelines for documenting the review procedures. The study analyzed peer-reviewed scientific literature, sectoral, institutional, and regulatory frameworks, and selected university policies, with particular attention to the Arab context and research and regulatory gaps. The results showed that generative AI governance is not limited to addressing issues of cheating and plagiarism, but encompasses interconnected dimensions, most notably: academic integrity, privacy, transparency, disclosure, fairness, capacity building, human oversight, risk management, and assessment redesign. The study also indicated that the global trend is moving toward responsible and conditional use rather than outright prohibition or unregulated adoption. The study concluded that effective governance requires combining research evidence, sectoral frameworks, and institutional policies, while translating general principles into clear procedures at the university and course levels. It also revealed the need for more specialized policies that address privacy, linguistic equity, data protection, and the transparency. The study recommends developing flexible university guidelines, disclosure models, data use controls, ongoing training programs, and periodic review mechanisms that ensure a balance between innovation, quality of learning, and academic integrity.
Keywords:
AI governance, generative AI, higher education, academic integrity, university policies, risk management, comprehensive review.
Academic Journal of Research and Scientific Publishing
