Mapping the future of distance higher education: a bibliometric-SLR integration on Industry 5.0 technologies toward world-class online university development

This study aims to map the strategic directions for developing world-class online universities by integrating Industry 5.0 technologies into distance higher education.

An integrated bibliometric–systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed. Bibliometric analysis, using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package, mapped publication trends, scientific collaboration and thematic structures across 1,556 Scopus-indexed journal articles (2019–2025).

Research output in this domain grew at 11.88% annually, with strong global collaboration (23.52%) led by China, the USA and Western Europe. Key themes have evolved from basic e-learning toward intelligent, immersive and adaptive systems. Four strategic axes emerged: (1) human-centric artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized and ethical learning, (2) immersive and embodied ecosystems via virtual reality, augmented reality and metaverse, (3) decentralized infrastructures using edge and/or fog computing for real-time adaptation and (4) ethical governance frameworks for trusted AI-based assessment. The study proposes conceptual models such as AI–human pedagogical synergy, immersive–reflexive learning architecture and technological–ethical equilibrium.

This is the first comprehensive study to integrate bibliometric mapping with SLR to directly connect Industry 5.0 technological adoption to world-class online university development. It offers a strategic roadmap linking technology, pedagogy, governance and ethics, redefining “world-class” in the digital age as flexibility, connectivity and personalization – extending beyond elite institutions to diverse higher education providers.