Higher Education and Technical- Vocational Education Partnerships for Workforce Development, Innovation, and Sustainability: A Scoping Review in the Philippine Context
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The rapid advancement of digitalization, Industry 4.0, and sustainable development has transformed the expectations placed on educational institutions to prepare a competent, future-ready workforce. This scoping review examined the complementary roles of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions within industrial education ecosystems, with a focus on workforce development, innovation, education-industry collaboration, and sustainability. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Relevant literature published between 2022 and 2025 was identified through academic databases and institutional sources. Following the identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion process, 12 studies were included in the final synthesis. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis with both deductive and inductive coding approaches. The thematic synthesis generated four interconnected themes: (1) workforce development through complementary HEI and TVET roles, (2) education-industry collaboration and innovation ecosystems, (3) Industry 4.0-driven curriculum and pedagogical transformation, and (4) sustainability and green workforce development. The findings indicate that HEIs contribute through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge creation, and technology transfer, while TVET institutions strengthen workforce readiness through competency-based and industry-responsive training. Together, these institutions contribute to industrial education ecosystems involving education providers, industries, government agencies, and communities. However, limited empirical evidence was identified regarding direct HEI-TVET collaboration mechanisms and measurable partnership outcomes, particularly in the Philippine context. The review highlights the importance of ecosystem-based approaches in strengthening HEI-TVET collaboration, aligning educational programs with labor market needs, and supporting sustainable industrial development. The findings reinforce the value of considering HEIs and TVET institutions as interconnected actors within workforce and innovation ecosystems. Further empirical research is needed to evaluate partnership models, collaboration indicators, and measurable workforce and innovation outcomes.
DOI: 10.64637/742011
Author: Olivia Terrado
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213650774