Education 5.0 challenges and sustainable development goals in emerging economies: A mixed-method approach

The education sector has experienced transformative shifts with increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Learning Analytics in higher education, notably within universities. This evolution necessitates the integration of Education 5.0 with Industry 5.0, especially in emerging economies like India, where teaching professionals play an essential part in facilitating this transition. Despite the opportunities for skills enhancement, significant obstacles impede the sustainable technological empowerment of academicians. This study recognizes these challenges in the context of Indian higher education and explores solutions to accelerate the acceptance of Education 5.0. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, semi-structured interviews with 14 academicians were conducted, followed by thematic analysis using NVIVO and ranking via the Best-worst Multicriteria Decision-Making Process (BWM). The research indicates that resolving these challenges can streamline the transition to AI-enabled educational technologies. The study highlights the significance of university management in formulating targeted policies and training programs that minimize these challenges, ultimately enhancing the educational infrastructure and fostering a technologically proficient academic workforce. Theoretically, this research enriches the discourse on technology empowerment in education by mapping the interplay between educational advancements and organizational change, offering an understanding that can be applied to similar contexts globally.