Innovation for Societal Transformation: an Educational Model for Society 5.0

To navigate the unprecedented technological advancements and complex global issues, the Society 5.0 concept—a super-smart human-centered society—demands educational institutions to evolve. Traditional higher education models are no longer sufficient to foster the innovation, adaptability, and global citizenship required for sustainable societal transformation. This study explores how the TEC21 Educational Model (TEC21) aligns with the principles of Society 5.0. Through a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the TEC21 framework alongside Society 5.0 paradigms and a quantitative assessment involving thirty- two near-graduation engineering students from Tecnologico de Monterrey who self-evaluated their proficiency in TEC21 competencies and readiness for Society 5.0. Our findings reveal that this educational model effectively strengthens transversal competencies that are pivotal to contributing to a knowledge-intensive technology-driven society. Our research showcases how a technology-enhanced, competency-based, and challenge-based learning, supported with social partnerships can advance towards 2030 Agenda and the materialization of Society 5.0. By preparing the next generation of engineers capable of applying technology for social good, TEC21 also offers valuable strategies for higher education institutions to promote a humanitarian-technology deployment in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.