https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1241-5225
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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.
Graphical abstract
HIGHLIGHTS
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a component of modern life, being used in many areas.
AI has a growing impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
It can catalyse innovations in areas as varied as circular economy and smart cities.
AI offers a vital nexus between sustainable development and effective climate change adaptation.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme and is part of the “100 papers to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals” initiative.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Acronym
| UN | = | United Nation |
| SDGs | = | Sustainable Development Goals |
| AI | = | Artificial intelligence |
| SD | = | Sustainable Development |
| HEIs | = | High Education Institutions |
| HE | = | High Education |
| ANI | = | Artificial Narrow Intelligence |
| AGI | = | Artificial General Intelligence |
| IoT | = | Internet of Things |
| VR | = | Virtual Reality |
| UK | = | United Kingdom |
| USA | = | United States of America |
| MOOC | = | Massive Open Online Course |
| IT | = | Information Technology |
| CO2 | = | Carbon Dioxide |
| NLP | = | Natural Language Processing |