Engineering The Future of Higher Education: A VOSviewer Analysis of Smart University Trends in The Digitalization and Industry 5.0 Era

This manuscript aims to map the changing landscape of smart universities within the frameworks of digitalization and Industry 5.0, identifying key trends, challenges, and opportunities for observation. This study analyzes 8,061 Scopus database research papers from 2016 to 2024 by using VOSviewer for network visualization and bibliometric analysis. Centering around digitalization and Industry 5.0, the research explores literature that spans both the “smart” and “university” landscapes. The findings suggest a rich and fast-evolving field with a strong focus on the inclusion of advanced technologies, intelligent systems and intelligent pedagogies in higher education contexts, as well as significant international collaboration. Significant issues include the use of IoT, AI, and cloud computing for enhancing processes, learning environments, and safety on campus. This paper fills an important gap in the literature providing a thorough exploration of the smart university ecosystem through the lenses of digitalization and Industry 5.0, noting a significant point that technology will be an integral determinant in the future of higher education for both faculty and educational institutions. It sets out an exact blueprint for the way universities will become more responsive, efficient and networked institutions.