Beyond Digital Literacy: Building AI Competency Frameworks for Leadership Preparation Programs

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Transforming Policy and Practice Through AI Driven Educational Leadership

Publication Date

3-10-2026

Abstract

This chapter proposes a structured AI Competency Framework for educational leadership programs in the Gulf and Middle East, addressing the urgent need for leaders who can guide AI integration responsibly. Moving beyond digital literacy, the framework outlines technical, ethical, and strategic competencies grounded in established leadership theories. Framed by regional initiatives such as UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program, the chapter first presents the competency framework as its central contribution, then provides a critical justification for its necessity by mapping identified gaps in existing leadership preparation to the framework’s domains. It offers three concrete implementation pathways, including embedding AI modules in existing programs, forging education–computer science partnerships, and launching policy-aligned bootcamps. The framework advocates a structured, ethical, and culturally responsive approach that prepares leaders to manage AI adoption while upholding core educational values, offering a clear roadmap from theory to practice.

ISBN

[9798337349084, 9798337349091, 9798337349107]

ISSN

2327-0411

Publisher

IGI Global Scientific Publishing

First Page

29

Last Page

47

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Digital literacy (0.48) | Engineering ethics (0.43) | Knowledge management (0.42) | Grounded theory (0.42) | Core competency (0.42) | Sociology (0.4) | Public relations (0.36) | Educational leadership (0.34) | Engineering (0.32) | Political science (0.32) | Pedagogy (0.31) | Strategic planning (0.29) | Literacy (0.28) | Best practice (0.28) | Computer science (0.28) | Embedding (0.28) | Human resources (0.27) | Technology integration (0.27) | Government (linguistics) (0.26) | Information literacy (0.25)

Scopus ID

105049158170

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

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