The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies requires universities to adapt at the level of strategic and regulatory documents. Despite the active development of a national regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, the extent to which it is reflected in institutional documents of universities remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study is to assess the institutional readiness of Kazakhstani universities for the implementation of artificial intelligence based on a content analysis of their strategic and regulatory documents. The empirical base consists of 52 documents available in the public domain. The analysis was conducted using an original analytical matrix encompassing three dimensions: ethical, legal, and social. The results indicate that approximately 75% of the cases in the sample correspond to an initial level of institutional readiness and lack substantive provisions regulating the use of artificial intelligence. A systemic gap has been identified between the formation of the national regulatory framework and its operationalization at the university level. Based on the findings, a typology of cases according to the level of institutional readiness is proposed, along with a set of principles for the development of institutional policies on the use of artificial intelligence. The results highlight the need to move from the declarative inclusion of artificial intelligence in strategic documents to the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential application of its findings by universities and regulators in improving policies for the implementation of artificial intelligence.

artificial intelligence, institutional readiness, higher education, content analysis, AI ethics, public sector, Kazakhstan