This chapter introduces Phase 1 of an adaptable four-phase plan for navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Research, Stakeholder Engagement, & Strategic Planning. Integrating AI, particularly Generative AI (GenAI), presents opportunities alongside complex challenges, requiring effective preparation before implementation or piloting. This initial phase focuses on achieving strategic alignment between stakeholder needs and institutional goals while establishing preliminary AI ethics and governance structures.