Reading an AI Strategy Document Critically

A strategy document is a useful starting point for understanding an institution's stated direction. Read the document's date, issuing body and intended period before using it to support a claim.

Distinguish intentions from results

Mark each relevant passage as an objective, a planned action or a reported outcome. A target is not evidence that the target has been reached. Look for a separate implementation report when you need to assess progress.

Follow the reference

Use the issuing institution's original document rather than a summary copied across websites. Record the page or section that supports the sentence you want to write. If a figure lacks a clear definition or observation period, leave it out of a comparison until those details can be resolved.

Turn reading into a focused question

Ask what a specific announcement changes for your project, course or application. Identify the action you can take now and the assumption it depends on. Avoid treating a national plan as proof of a job opening, a funding decision or a product's performance.