University 4.0 readiness in the digital age: an entropy-based multi criteria assessment of Turkish universities

Abstract A theory-grounded, data-driven framework is proposed and applied to evaluate Turkish universities’ readiness for the University 4.0 (UNI 4.0) paradigm. Insights from institutional theory, dynamic capabilities, the resource-based view, and sociotechnical digital transformation are synthesized, and readiness is operationalized across four pillars—Education and Learning (EL), University Management (UM), International Relations (IR), and Research and Development (RD). Publicly available documents and statistics for 34 MÜDEK-accredited universities are used. An entropy-based multi-criteria decision-making design is implemented: objective indicator weights are derived with the Entropy Weighting Method (EWM), a composite UNI 4.0 Index is constructed using Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), and inter-pillar associations are assessed via Spearman rank correlations. The overall index is dominated by public universities, while several research-intensive foundation universities are found to excel within specific dimensions (notably UM or RD). Correlations between IR–EL, IR–RD, and EL–RD are observed to be moderate and statistically significant, indicating that international engagement and educational quality are associated with stronger research performance. By contrast, UM is observed to exhibit weak and nonsignificant associations with other pillars, suggesting the presence of a strategy–execution gap in governance and capability deployment. The study offers policy insights for advancing digital capacity, enhancing institutional research ecosystems, and fostering globally connected academic environments. By integrating methodological rigor with forward-looking theoretical perspectives, this work contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how universities can adapt to the demands of a digitally driven future.