Towards University 5.0: A Literature Review

Abstract

The revolutionary concept of “University 5.0” aims to transform universities into hubs of social and digital innovation. It emphasises creating supportive structures and mechanisms, integrating sustainability and interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting cross-sector collaboration. This vision seeks to address contemporary global challenges and prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. This paper delves into the scientific comprehension and definition of this new concept by exploring how the implementation of a social-oriented quality management approach can potentially bring about the fulfilment of this vision. A literature review was conducted to collect and study previous papers regarding this novel topic. Using the Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, articles were obtained based on the following string of keywords: (university OR “university 5.0” OR “university 4.0” OR “smart university” OR “higher education institution”) AND (“social-oriented quality” OR “quality management” OR “sustainable quality”) considering articles published from 2019 to 2025. The results are focused on the main pillars of University 5.0, the potential benefits of its implementation in universities, and finally, the obstacles that may be encountered in the process. The study is limited by the databases referenced and by the consideration of articles written only in English. This paper's findings can be helpful to university practitioners, managers, and other stakeholders as a guide for comprehending the main pillars of University 5.0, the potential benefits of its implementation in universities, as well as the obstacles that may be encountered during the transition process