Work

Higher Education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Bibliometric Exploration of Global Research Trends

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies has prompted significant transformations in higher education, yet scholarly engagement with this intersection remains fragmented.This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 266 Scopusindexed publications from 2016 to 2025 to map the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and citation trends of research on higher education in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Key findings reveal a steady increase in research output, peaking in 2023, with dominant contributions emerging from disciplines such as computer science, engineering, and social sciences.Thematic analysis identified core research clusters including digital learning, curriculum reform, institutional transformation, and the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality.Keyword evolution mapping shows a progression from early emphasis on e-learning tools toward systemic digital transformation and employability-focused educational models.While the field has matured, the results highlight a limited integration of sustainability, policy frameworks, and ethical concerns.This study not only synthesises past and current research trends but also proposes future research directions aimed at enhancing the alignment of educational innovation with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0.

Source: International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

DOI: 10.6007/ijarped/v14-i4/26621

Authors: Shah Nazim Shahar, Abdul Hayy Haziq Mohamad, Rossazana Ab-Rahim

Institutions: Ministry of Higher Education, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Language: English

Topic: Educational Innovations and Challenges

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414933820