An assessment of graduates skills gap for sustainable employability during the 4IR in Bangladesh

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) leads global transformation through technological advancements, streamlining labor processes, and boosting productivity. This study explores the emerging employment sectors in Bangladesh for graduates, such as data science, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce management, in the context of the 4IR. This study also examines skills discrepancies, particularly in technical and soft skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys (n = 1320) and qualitative interviews (n = 32), data were collected from university graduates and stakeholders across Bangladesh. Findings reveal substantial skills mismatches, particularly in advanced technology and digital competencies, hindering graduates' sustainable employability. This study underlines the need for tailored curricula, industry-academia partnerships, and upskilling programs to bridge these gaps for graduate's employability. These actionable counsels directly align educational institutions with market demands (industry-academia collaboration), fostering sustainable employability in the 4IR era of Bangladesh.