Journal article
Using artificial intelligence to implement the UN sustainable development goals at higher education institutions
International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, Vol.31(6), pp.726-745
2024
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering innovative solutions and enhancing the efficiency of processes aimed at achieving these goals. There is a perceived need for studies which may look at these connections. Against this background, this paper reports on a study that investigated the connections between artificial intelligence and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at higher education institutions. The paper deployed a multi-methods approach. The first one was a bibliometric analysis of publications in the topic. The second method used was an assessment of a set of case studies, that illustrate how artificial intelligence is being deployed among a sample of universities in support of efforts to implement the SDGs and a survey aimed at identifying current and future trends. The data gathered allow some trends to be identified. For instance, that there is a wide range of applications of AI to sustainability in High Education Institutions (HEI), to be chosen in terms of campus operations and greening, outreach and community engagement, research, teaching and learning, and university management. Also, the paper has identified successful examples of the deployment of AI in various sustainability contexts, illustrating what are the success factors for them. Moreover, the survey identified the fact that the use of AI is quite widely spread, and is likely to increase in coming years, due to a greater demand. Finally, AI also poses several challenges, such as authenticity and ethics in assessment (case studies), 'lack of access to software/materials', and 'lack of information technology training for myself/my colleagues' (survey). Overall, AI offers a powerful toolset to accelerate and enhance the implementation of the UN SDGs. By analysing vast datasets, predicting outcomes, optimising processes, and providing new insights, AI has the potential to address complex sustainability challenges across various sectors.
Details
- Title
- Using artificial intelligence to implement the UN sustainable development goals at higher education institutions
- Authors
- Walter Leal Filho - Manchester Metropolitan UniversityPriscilla Cristina Cabral Ribeiro (Corresponding Author) - Universidade Federal FluminenseJanaina Mazutti - Universidade de Passo FundoAmanda Lange Salvia - Universidade de Passo FundoCarla Bonato Marcolin - Universidade Federal de UberlândiaJaluza Maria Lima Silva Borsatto - Universidade Federal de UberlândiaAyyoob Sharifi - Hiroshima UniversityJavier Sierra - Universidad de SalamancaJohannes Luetz - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyRudi Pretorius - University of South AfricaLais Viera Trevisan - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, Vol.31(6), pp.726-745
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1080/13504509.2024.2327584
- ISSN
- 1745-2627
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991014498002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
11 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ecology
- Green & Sustainable Science & Technology