Partners or Tools? Anticipatory Governance for Human-AI Complementarity in Higher Education

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, universities must shift from reactive to proactive governance models. This paper proposes "anticipatory governance" as a framework for higher education institutions to co-evolve with AI systems. Drawing on evolutionary biology and organizational theory, we argue that successful adaptation requires transformational leadership that fosters collective intelligence and creates meaningful narratives for change. The concept of complementary intelligence positions AI not as a replacement for human capabilities but as a cognitive partner. Universities must develop ambidextrous strategies that preserve institutional strengths while embracing innovation. Through anticipatory governance, institutions can create adaptive structures that enable productive human-AI collaboration across teaching, research, and administration, ensuring universities remain viable and socially responsible in an AI-driven future.