The increasing capabilities and rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are reshaping higher education. This spotlight explores how generative AI is being adopted and used in higher education, highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with its growing use. It identifies five areas of emerging system-level policy responses.

Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping the educational landscape. This outlook analyses research that suggests GenAI can support learning when guided by clear teaching principles. However, without pedagogical guidance, outsourcing tasks to GenAI enhances performance with no real learning gains. The outlook synthesises evidence and insights on the design criteria that make it work for education.

This article calls for a reimagining of school attendance, moving beyond physical presence to embrace the possibilities of digital presence. By leveraging technology, and updating policies, we can achieve new standards in education equality and connection for students with complex medical and mental conditions who face significant school absence.

Considering the significant challenge of decarbonising the planet, this policy report explores the role of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in advancing net zero emissions with a focus on digital research infrastructure.

This publication draws on the body of research compiled at The New Zealand Initiative over the past decade to bring together a coherent plan to improve the New Zealand's education system.