The Research Landscape and Emerging Trends in Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Sustainability (1998-2023)

Abstract

Research on sustainability within technical and vocational education and training has grown in recent years, yet a comprehensive review of the literature remains lacking. This systematic review fills this gap by using bibliometric methods to analyze 170 Scopus-indexed documents, establishing empirical benchmarks and revealing insights into the field's growth and thematic development. The findings suggest that this area is still significantly underexplored and would benefit from enhanced international collaboration. This study highlights key scholars and influential publications that serve as foundational resources to support future research and practical applications. Major areas of scholarly interest include engineering and teacher education, along with the integration of economic and environmental sustainability dimensions. Emerging research fronts suggest a growing intersection between technological advancements and sustainability in this field. Additionally, trends show an increasing diversity in educational disciplines and research methodologies, inspiring new research directions and providing valuable perspectives for those aiming to position their work within the broader dialogue on sustainable education.