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Developing Policy Guidelines for Generative AI Use in Higher Education: Evidence from the Baltic Sea Region
Aivars Spilbergs 1,* ,
Biruta Dzērve 1,
Sandra Ozoliņa 1,
Gunta Innuse-Breidaka 1,
Tatjana Mavrenko 1,
Laima Čable 1,
Agnese Vincēviča 1,
Biruta Sloka 2,
Ginta Tora 2 and
Kristīne Liepiņa 2
1
Economics and Finance Department, BA School of Business and Finance, University of Latvia, Riga 1013, Latvia
2
University of Latvia, Riga 1586, Latvia
*
For correspondence.
Academic Editor:
Received: 30 June 2025 Accepted: 24 November 2025 Published: 4 December 2025
Abstract
This study examines the primary risks associated with using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in social science research and proposes a framework for higher education institutions to effectively manage these risks. As universities increasingly integrate GAI into teaching, research, and administration, concerns around intellectual property, academic integrity, data privacy, and ethical use have intensified. This paper explores the adequacy of current legal frameworks in addressing these challenges, drawing on recent legal analyses and institutional practices. Survey data reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions of the need for GAI guidelines based on respondents’ age, education level, field of study, research experience, and geographic region. The findings underscore the urgency of developing adaptive, risk-based policies that support responsible integration of GAI while safeguarding academic standards. The study concludes by proposing guiding principles for a dynamic legal framework that balances innovation with accountability. These recommendations aim to support sustainable and ethical GAI adoption in higher education institutions and contribute to the broader discourse on responsible AI governance in academia.
Keywords
Copyright © 2025
Spilbergs et al. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use and distribution provided that the original work is properly cited.
Funding
This research is supported by Project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007 “Internal and external consolidation of the University of Latvia” (RRF project), Project No. LU-BAPA-2024/1–0052, UL and BA SBF consolidation grant project.
Cite this Article
Spilbergs, A., Dzērve, B., Ozoliņa, S., Innuse-Breidaka, G., Mavrenko, T., Čable, L., Vincēviča, A., Sloka, B., Tora, G., & Liepiņa, K. (2025). Developing Policy Guidelines for Generative AI Use in Higher Education: Evidence from the Baltic Sea Region. Highlights of Sustainability, 4(4), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain4040017
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