Responsible artificial intelligence: The University of Cologne presents a value-driven AI strategy
Addressing everything from sovereign infrastructure and the development of AI skills to the confident application of AI in research, teaching, transfer, and administration: the new AI strategy of the University of Cologne provides a value-driven framework for research into, deployment, and application of artificial intelligence across all areas of its activities.
The university has been developing the strategy in a participatory process since the end of 2024, and it has now been published. Its ‘value-driven AI’ approach promotes the conscious and responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, teaching and learning, transfer, management and administration, as well as in the development of infrastructure. In accordance with the university’s institutional strategy, it sets out the ethical, cultural, and strategic aspects of artificial intelligence. Together with the AI Policy, which defines the legal framework, it provides a clear means of orientation for the projects and processes of the coming years.
“Over the last few years, the University of Cologne has been systematically expanding its strengths in AI-based research and teaching, also through the creation of new chairs. With this strategy, the Rectorate has now adopted a clear roadmap for integrating AI into all areas of the university’s activities. This shows how technology and values can go hand in hand,” says Professor Dr Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne. “I would like to thank the members of the university from all status groups and Faculties who have contributed to this participation process.”
Cultural change: more than just the introduction of technology
“AI, in all its facets and dimensions, is massively changing the way we currently conduct research, teaching, and work. As befits a university, we are approaching the AI transformation with great critical enthusiasm. We have strengthened our AI readiness, not only in order to respond to this transformation, but to continue to shape it in a way that is based on research, science, and values, serving the well-being of all,” says Professor Dr Beatrix Busse, who, as Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies, has led the strategic process.
Strengthening AI readiness: process and measures
The strategy has been developed through a participatory process. To begin with, all applications and areas in which AI already plays a role were identified. A total of 600 people took part in the process, and were involved in moderated discussion sessions, known as ‘arenas,’ in order to do justice to the multifaceted nature of the topic.
The university has set out priorities for 2026 and 2027 to ensure the implementation of its strategy and the university’s AI readiness. These priorities include, amongst other things, the ongoing development of an AI office, the recruitment of additional talent and expertise, the centralized provision of information on AI activities, the expansion of AI infrastructure, the broadening of learning and professional development opportunities, and support for flagship projects, particularly with a view to raising the profile of research within the university’s Key Profile Areas.
Innovation from the ‘sandpit’
In addition, the focus is on fostering a critical and open-minded approach to AI, strengthening AI literacy amongst all members of the university, developing governance structures, and promoting the adoption and scaling up of AI across all areas of the university. A new development is the ‘dual-track approach’, which makes it possible not only to adopt established AI applications directly, but also to test entirely new approaches in controlled experimental environments (‘sandboxes’). The aim of this approach is to create a framework in which even innovative projects – which may initially involve some risk – can safely see the light of day.
Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Media Contact:
Professor Dr Beatrix Busse
Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies
+49 221 470 5141
beatrix.busse@uni-koeln.de
Ingo Kleiber
Senior Expert Digital Education & Educational Technology
+49 221 470 91043
ingo.kleiber@uni-koeln.de
Weitere Informationen:
https://• Busse, Beatrix, Kleiber, Ingo: Value-Driven AI – The AI Strategy of the University of Cologne, 2026-2029, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16091.94240.
https://• Beatrix Busse, Ingo Kleiber: KI in der Hochschulbildung. Pearson Studium, 2025, ISBN: 978-3-86894-603-1.
https://• Website: https://uni-koeln.de/universitaet/struktur-leitung/strategie-entwicklung/ki-strategie
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