Paper Number
ICIS2026-2841
Paper Type
Completed
Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to business transformation, sustainability gains importance for future ready AI strategy design. Our study examines how sustainability is integrated in the organisational design of AI strategies. Following a design science research approach, we develop a prescriptive strategy design framework based on the people–process–technology framework and the strategic alignment model. Our study builds on a structured literature review of 87 publications and 27 expert interviews. We derive 19 meta requirements and 15 design principles across economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions. The results identify leadership and culture, AI process governance, and green AI technology as central for integrating sustainability into organisational AI strategies. The proposed framework provides reusable design knowledge, supporting organisations in aligning AI strategies with sustainability goals. Our study contributes to research and practice by offering actionable guidance for sustainability-oriented AI strategy design and development.
Recommended Citation
Webster, Samantha; Kost, Leonard; Gurung, Ram Prasad; and Breitner, Michael H., "Advancing Sustainability in AI Strategy: A Design Principles Perspective" (2026). ICIS 2026 Proceedings. 10.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2026/sustenv/sustenv/10
Advancing Sustainability in AI Strategy: A Design Principles Perspective
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to business transformation, sustainability gains importance for future ready AI strategy design. Our study examines how sustainability is integrated in the organisational design of AI strategies. Following a design science research approach, we develop a prescriptive strategy design framework based on the people–process–technology framework and the strategic alignment model. Our study builds on a structured literature review of 87 publications and 27 expert interviews. We derive 19 meta requirements and 15 design principles across economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions. The results identify leadership and culture, AI process governance, and green AI technology as central for integrating sustainability into organisational AI strategies. The proposed framework provides reusable design knowledge, supporting organisations in aligning AI strategies with sustainability goals. Our study contributes to research and practice by offering actionable guidance for sustainability-oriented AI strategy design and development.
Comments
04_Sustainability_and_environment