An Integrated Conceptual Framework for Industry 5.0-Enabled Smart Education in Smart City Ecosystems: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic review aims to analyze Industry 5.0-enabled smart education in smart city ecosystems. A search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC using a predefined search string. In total, 4631 records were identified, and 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and April 2026 were selected for descriptive and thematic analyses. Results indicate that Industry 5.0-based smart education forms an integrated ecosystem that includes human-centered approaches, intelligent technologies, stakeholders’ collaboration, and sustainable governance. The reviewed literature suggests that Industry 5.0-enabled smart education may support educational quality, human-capital development, digital inclusion, and sustainable smart-city development. The main technological enablers are AI, IoT, Digital Twins, immersive technologies, learning analytics, blockchain, and human–AI collaboration. Smart education also faces technological, organizational, ethical, and policy barriers. The review provides an integrated conceptual framework for Industry 5.0, smart education, and smart city ecosystems, and provides recommendations for researchers, educators, educational institutions, policymakers, technology providers, and other stakeholders involved in smart cities to design future-proof educational systems that prepare learners to address the challenges of sustainable development and rapidly changing societies by acquiring the competencies required in these environments.