University 4.0 essentials: Influence of industry 4.0 on higher education

Abstract

This paper explores the essential components of University 4.0, which developed as a response to changing circumstances and needs in the 4th industrial era. Employing a comparative survey design, data was collected from 203 academics in three technical state universities of Türkiye through a scale devised by the researchers based on a comprehensive literature review, pilot study and expert opinion and advice. Essentials of University 4.0 emerged in four categories: knowledge management and communication, continuous improvement, global competitiveness and digitalization. Comparative analyses of data through SPSS indicated a negative correlation between age and importance attached to digitalization as well as more emphasis on practices related with digitalization in positive sciences compared to social sciences. Holding an administrative position and being actively involved in quality studies of an institution were found to have direct positive influences on global competitiveness. This study adds to the existing literature by addressing different aspects of U4.0 from an educational administration perspective collecting data from academics in a variety of disciplines across a number of universities. Practical implications are presented based on the findings of the study.