Decision-Making and Governance in Public Universities in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are increasingly reshaping decision-making and governance processes in public universities, creating opportunities for administrative modernization and evidence-based institutional management. This systematic review aimed to analyze the scientific evidence regarding decision-making and governance in public universities in the era of artificial intelligence, identify the countries contributing to this field of research, and synthesize the principal lessons and conclusions reported in the literature. The study followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and conducted a systematic search in the Scopus database on 15 May 2025 using descriptors associated with university governance, academic management, Artificial Intelligence, and digital transformation. Original empirical studies published in English or Spanish were considered eligible. From 109 identified records, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the qualitative synthesis. The findings revealed that AI supports administrative efficiency, predictive analytics, academic planning, resource optimization, and data-driven governance. However, successful implementation depends on institutional readiness, leadership commitment, digital literacy, and ethical governance frameworks capable of addressing algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency concerns. The review highlights AI as both a strategic opportunity and a governance challenge for public universities, requiring responsible, human-centered, and context-sensitive implementation strategies.