New Global Council Seeks to Influence AI’s Impact on Higher Education’s Future

Addressing Artificial Intelligence stands as one of the greatest challenges facing Higher Education in centuries, and its impact is global in reach.

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Most universities have moved from treating AI as a potential threat to testing ways to support student learning and improve educational access and impact. However, with AI forcing broader changes in the workplace, the influence of technology on higher education and workforce training is set to be more profound than it has ever been.

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From 2022 to 2023, the overall percentage of new EdTech companies globally who made AI a key part of their offering jumped from 10% to 37% - underscoring the rapid change at play. On the other hand, institutions have seen a dramatic increase in AI usage with research suggesting that more than one in every two students uses AI regularly in their learning journey.

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Responding to these changes is a global challenge faced by universities and corporates. The Digital Education Council (DEC) has been established to help organisations around the world address the impact of AI and other burgeoning issues.

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Initiated by SuperCharger Ventures, the world’s largest EdTech-only accelerator and over a dozen high-profile universities from around the world, the Digital Education Council serves as a platform for sharing experiences, exploring new technologies, and driving positive change in the world of education and work.

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Bocconi University, Singapore Management University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Melbourne Business School, Esade, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Wits Business School are amongst DEC’s founding members. Alongside more high-profile institutions globally that will be announced soon.

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“It’s the blind spots that often cause the most change,” says Danny Bielik, President of the Digital Education Council. “Where aren’t we looking? What structures can help meet emerging challenges? What is best-practice and what are people testing in other parts of the world?”

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“Already, governments are creating regulations and legislation for the use of AI in education. They don’t want to be caught out like they were for social media,” Bielik says.

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The Digital Education Council will provide monthly Reports and Executive Briefings to members with very practical and usable outcomes.

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“Our focus on practicality is what universities have long commended us for. Now we are able to scale our deep analysis and recommendations to a global audience and have a global impact,” said Alessandro Di Lullo, Co-Founder of SuperCharger Ventures and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Education Council. “AI and EdTech are long-term phenomena that require forward-looking approaches and governance. DEC is our response to help universities and corporates chart these new waters.”

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The first DEC Executive Briefings have covered topics such as Artificial Intelligence frameworks, regulation and their impact on academic integrity - topics with immediate practical implications.

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DEC is establishing a number of Thematic Working Groups in important topics around the future of education and work, including artificial intelligence, startups and innovation, skills and credentials, ESG & sustainability, and digital and online learning

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The Working Groups are tasked with discussing and collaborating on these important topics with a focus on practical, achievable outcomes. The groups can advocate for policies or publish strategies and structures that can be used by university, company and government decision makers worldwide.

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“More work is to come. We will also have our first in-person DEC conference in November and we are scaling up our ability to provide advisory services to universities and corporates in the applications of new technologies and frameworks,” said Di Lullo.

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About The Digital Education Council (DEC):

The Digital Education Council (DEC) is a global movement for education innovation. DEC brings together leading institutions, experts, and innovators to shape the future of education and work. For more information, please visit: www.digitaleducationcouncil.com 

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