Research Competencies and Educational Innovation in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The transformation of higher education has intensified the need to strengthen research competencies, educational innovation and digital capabilities in university environments. However, conceptual fragmentation, institutional inequalities and the absence of an integrated perspective continue to limit the understanding of the scientific evolution in this field. The objective of the study was to analyse the scientific evolution of research competencies and innovation in higher education. The research adopted a quantitative design of bibliometric systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The information was exclusively retrieved from the Scopus Elsevier database, using a search strategy applied to the TITLE-ABSTRACT-KEYWORD fields. After the screening and eligibility process, the final corpus consisted of 28 scientific publications published between 2021 and 2026. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.20, employing network visualisations, temporal overlay and thematic density. The results showed an evolution from traditional research skills to interdisciplinary, digital and innovation-oriented approaches. The central themes were higher education, research competencies and educational innovation. The emerging topics included generative artificial intelligence, mentoring, formative research and digital competencies. Additionally, challenges associated with assessment, ethical governance, technological inequality and institutional sustainability were identified.
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7213440704
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