EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN IT EDUCATION FOR INDUSTRY 5.0: STRENGTHENING DIGITAL COMPETENCIES AND CAREER READINESSustry 5.0: Strengthening Digital Competencies and Career Readiness

Abstract

Digital technologies have a significant impact on IT education, leading to programs that are aimed at graduating students equipped for Industry 5.0 where working with smart systems is the norm for the purpose of problem-solving. In this study, we examine how emerging technologies are being integrated into IT education in Albania, a developing economy striving to keep pace with global trends despite resource constraints. This study employs a quantitative research design to evaluate the integration of emerging technologies into IT education and their influence on students' preparedness for Industry 5.0 and digital entrepreneurship. A total of 351 undergraduate and postgraduate students from different universities in Albania participated in the study. We found that artificial intelligence and machine learning strengthen students' preparedness for Industry 5.0 and digital entrepreneurship, but skills in blockchain and digital business remain underdeveloped. Gaining experience through internships and project-based learning turns out to be the most important factor in developing student's confidence and skills. On the contrary, lack of collaboration with industries and poor infrastructure are the main problems that impede skill development and thus career readiness.

The findings indicate clear priorities: expand hands-on AI and ML learning, embed blockchain and digital business content, and invest in stronger collaboration between academia and industry. We offer actionable recommendations in this study for universities and policymakers to fill these gaps and build a future-ready workforce.