Pillar 8: Infrastructure and Resource Management Maturity Assessment

This maturity assessment tool is designed to help educational institutions evaluate their current state of AI governance in terms of infrastructure and resource management. The assessment covers the key components of Pillar 8 of the SAGE-AI Framework.

Who Should Participate?

This assessment should be completed by a cross-functional team including:

  • Senior leadership (e.g., CIO, CTO)
  • IT infrastructure managers
  • AI/IT leadership
  • Procurement officers
  • Data center and cloud services managers
  • Cybersecurity experts
  • Sustainability officers

How to Use This Assessment

Read each question carefully and select the answer that best describes your institution's current state. Be honest in your responses to get an accurate picture of your institution's maturity level. After completing the assessment, use the scoring guide to calculate your overall maturity level for Pillar 8. If you are completing multiple pillar assessments, transfer your score into the master score sheet.

Assessment Questions

  1. Do you have an AI Infrastructure Strategy and Roadmap in place? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  2. Have you developed an AI Technology Procurement Policy? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  3. Is there an AI Resource Allocation Framework to prioritize and distribute AI-related resources? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  4. Have you implemented an AI Infrastructure Security Policy? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  5. Are there AI Scalability and Integration Standards established? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  6. Do you have an AI Infrastructure Performance Monitoring Policy? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  7. Have you established Sustainable AI Infrastructure Guidelines? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)
  8. Is there a strategy for AI infrastructure maintenance and upgrades? (No, Partially Implemented, Fully Implemented)

Scoring

For each question:

  • No = 0 points
  • Partially Implemented = 1 point
  • Fully Implemented = 2 points

Interpretation of Results

Based on your total score, your institution's maturity level can be categorized as follows:

  • Nascent Stage (0-4 points): Your institution is in the very early stages of developing AI infrastructure and resource management. There may be some initial efforts to support AI initiatives, but a comprehensive approach to infrastructure planning and resource allocation is largely absent. Focus on developing a basic AI infrastructure strategy and establishing key policies for procurement and security.
  • Emerging Stage (5-9 points): Your institution has begun to address AI infrastructure and resource management, but the approach is still developing. Some key components like a resource allocation framework or performance monitoring may be in place but not fully developed or consistently applied across the institution. Work on formalizing processes, expanding infrastructure planning efforts, and developing more comprehensive strategies for AI infrastructure management.
  • Established Stage (10-13 points): Your institution has a clear and consistent approach to AI infrastructure and resource management. Most key components are in place and functioning effectively. Focus on refining these processes, ensuring they're fully integrated across all AI initiatives, and adapting them to address emerging challenges and opportunities in AI infrastructure development.
  • Transformative Stage (14-16 points): Your institution is at the forefront of AI infrastructure and resource management. Infrastructure planning and resource allocation are fully embedded in AI governance processes, driving sustainable and scalable AI innovation. Continue to refine and evolve your approach, potentially serving as a model for other institutions. Focus on pushing the boundaries of AI infrastructure management and contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable and secure AI systems.

Next Steps

Based on your assessment results:

  • Identify the areas where your institution scored lowest and prioritize these for improvement.
  • Develop action plans to address gaps in your AI infrastructure and resource management practices.
  • Set goals to progress to the next maturity stage, focusing on the key components that will help you advance.
  • Regularly reassess your maturity level to track progress and identify new areas for improvement.
  • Share best practices and lessons learned within your institution to foster a culture of robust and sustainable AI infrastructure management.
  • Consider assessing other pillars of the SAGE-AI Framework to get a comprehensive view of your institution's AI governance maturity.
  • For institutions at the Transformative stage, explore opportunities to contribute to the broader education community's understanding of effective AI infrastructure and resource management.
Maturity Assessments