Engineering Education 4.0: How Digital Tools Boost Entrepreneurial Spirit-A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic mapping evaluated the impact of digital technologies on the development of entrepreneurial competencies within engineering education from 2020 to 2025. Following PRISMA protocols, 752 Scopus records were screened and 48 studies that met the specified criteria were ultimately selected. The findings confirm that technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented/virtual reality, educational platforms (Moodle, Coursera), industrial simulators, 3‐D software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and project‐management tools (Trello, Asana) strengthen key skills—decision‐making, creativity and leadership—by creating immersive environments aligned with Industry 4.0. The most effective instructional approaches were Project‐Based Learning, collaborative learning and the flipped classroom. Adoption is most advanced in the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore, whereas Latin America shows only initial developments. The main barriers include limited infrastructure and faculty resistance. The study concludes that the strategic integration of these tools improves academic performance and accelerates the development of entrepreneurial skills, recommending regional empirical studies and institutional policies to facilitate access and faculty training.