Understanding the Application of AI in Higher Education Systems: Global Perspectives From a Local AI Ecosystem

This study aims to perform a descriptive analysis of the websites of public and foundation universities in Türkiye to reveal the current positioning context of their units in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystems. The study was designed using a holistic multiple case study method, in which the dimensions specified in the sub-objectives (types of units, geographical regions where the units are located, location preferences of universities, status of universities as public or foundation universities, vision definitions of the units, gender and titles of academics working in the units, research areas of the units, industrial collaborations) were handled independently and holistically. The researchers examined the websites of 41 units operating within the artificial intelligence ecosystem in universities. They then transferred the data they collected to a document review form for analysis. After employing a descriptive analysis method to examine the data, the researchers interpreted their findings with percentages and frequencies. The results show that the most common unit providing services in the AI ecosystem is research centers. The units providing services in the AI ecosystem are mostly located in public universities, and the universities where the units are located position themselves as research-oriented, education-oriented, both education and research-oriented, and entrepreneurship-oriented, respectively. The vision statements of the units operating in the AI ecosystem are observed to be mostly used to train highly-qualified human resources. It was also noted that the academic staff assigned to the units serving in the AI Ecosystem are mostly male, holding the title of Professor. The units operating in the AI Ecosystem have collaborations and protocols with universities, as well as with industrial and public institutions working in the field of AI.