Purpose This study aims to map the strategic directions for developing world-class online universities by integrating Industry 5.0 technologies into distance higher education. Design/methodology/approach An integrated bibliometric–systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed. Bibliometric analysis, using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package, mapped publication trends, scientific collaboration and thematic structures across 1,556 Scopus-indexed journal articles (2019–2025). Findings Research output in this domain grew at 11.88% annually, with strong global collaboration (23.52%) led by China, the USA and Western Europe. Key themes have evolved from basic e-learning toward intelligent, immersive and adaptive systems. Four strategic axes emerged: (1) human-centric artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized and ethical learning, (2) immersive and embodied ecosystems via virtual reality, augmented reality and metaverse, (3) decentralized infrastructures using edge and/or fog computing for real-time adaptation and (4) ethical governance frameworks for trusted AI-based assessment. The study proposes conceptual models such as AI–human pedagogical synergy, immersive–reflexive learning architecture and technological–ethical equilibrium. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive study to integrate bibliometric mapping with SLR to directly connect Industry 5.0 technological adoption to world-class online university development. It offers a strategic roadmap linking technology, pedagogy, governance and ethics, redefining “world-class” in the digital age as flexibility, connectivity and personalization – extending beyond elite institutions to diverse higher education providers.
Alfarizi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.