Preparing Higher Education for the Era of Artificial Intelligence

This chapter conceptualizes institutional readiness as a multidimensional organizational capability that extends beyond technology to include strategy, governance, human capacity, infrastructure, and culture. Drawing on change management theory, digital maturity frameworks, educational governance, and ethical AI scholarship, it introduces an Institutional Readiness Framework (IRF) for AI-integrated hybrid education structured around five interdependent dimensions. The IRF is designed as a diagnostic and developmental framework rather than a ranking or compliance tool, supporting institutional reflection and capacity building across diverse contexts. Through synthesis of empirical research, policy analysis, and comparative insights from digitally mature and emerging systems, the chapter demonstrates how readiness develops over time through governance alignment, cultural mediation of AI, and iterative change processes. It further outlines practical approaches to evaluating readiness that prioritize learning and strategic planning.