Download this FREE leadership report to explore the current levels of digital, AI and data maturity in the research practices of higher ed institutions across the U.S.
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The newly published leadership report, "AI and Research Infrastructure in the U.S.: Insights from the AI and Digital Maturity Index 2026," explores the current levels of digital, artificial intelligence and data maturity in the research practices of higher education institutions across the U.S.
The report draws on findings from the AI and Digital Maturity Index (AI-DMI) by Times Higher Education (THE) in collaboration with T-Mobile, qualitative interviews with research leaders across U.S. institutions, and a survey of postgraduate students and emerging researchers, shedding light on the current experiences, sentiments and activities relating to the digital transformation of university and college research.
Report Contents:
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Trend 1 — The basics are in place; the frontier is where the gap begins
- Trend 2 — Baseline processes must be addressed, before frontier capabilities can be implemented
- Trend 3 — Provision is there; access and use lag
- Case Study — Virginia Commonwealth University
- What This Means for University Investment
Get the full report by clicking the Download button above. And make sure to register for the live discussion on Wednesday, December 2, at 2 p.m. E.T., featuring Inside Higher Ed’s Colleen Flaherty, along with a panel of higher education experts, as they discuss the report’s themes in greater detail.
Number of Pages: 6 (13.8 MB PDF)
📚 Leadership Reports:
Two additional leadership reports will be released this fall, offering further analysis into how AI is reshaping teaching and learning and how institutions are approaching connectivity.
- Report 2: Teaching & Learning — Publish Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Report 3: Connectivity — Publish Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
This report was made possible in part by the financial support of T-Mobile for Education.