Transforming higher education for the fourth industrial revolution: a strategic review of digital integration and institutional readiness

Purpose The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is reshaping higher education institutions (HEIs) through the integration of advanced digital technologies. This study aims to examine how HEIs are responding to this transformation by analyzing institutional strategies, pedagogical shifts, faculty readiness, curriculum alignment, equity considerations and long-term policy implications. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. After screening and eligibility assessment, 89 high-quality studies were included for thematic synthesis. The analysis was guided by six research questions addressing strategic adoption, learning outcomes, faculty challenges, curriculum redesign, inclusion and policy frameworks. Findings The review indicates that Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, learning analytics and immersive systems can significantly enhance student engagement, personalization and future-oriented skill development. However, their effectiveness is constrained by persistent challenges, including uneven institutional readiness, limited faculty digital competencies, infrastructural disparities and risks of digital exclusion. Successful transformation requires coordinated institutional strategies, continuous faculty development, curriculum modernization and equity-focused digital governance. Practical implications The findings provide actionable guidance for higher education leaders and policymakers on designing scalable digital transformation strategies, strengthening faculty capacity, aligning curricula with Industry 4.0 competencies and ensuring inclusive access to digital learning environments. Originality/value This study contributes a six-dimensional integrative framework that synthesizes fragmented research on Industry 4.0 adoption in higher education, offering a holistic perspective to support future empirical research and policy development.