The Innovative University: Renewing the Role of Universities in the Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem is a document produced by the U7+ alliance in 2020. U7+ is a network of universities from the G7 countries and beyond, committed to academic freedom, university values and their key role as global players. Its members engage in discussions that lead to concrete actions to address pressing global challenges.
The Innovative University explores the influence universities can have in guiding the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and how digital innovation can transform their practices and role in society.
The document proposes a series of recommendations and strategies for universities to become key players in the Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence (DI&AI) ecosystem, and enhance their capacity to support the development and responsible use of these technologies. These recommendations include, for example, integrating transdisciplinary knowledge, developing collaborative partnerships between the humanities and social sciences (SHS) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and promoting good data governance. It also suggests that universities rethink their educational models, integrate ethics into curricula and promote equity and diversity. The document also proposes the creation of an academic network dedicated to DI&AI to foster collaboration between universities, public authorities, businesses and civil society organizations.
The Montreal Declaration is cited as a useful resource to guide these changes so that they are inclusive and responsive to the challenges identified.
