Artificial Intelligence and Transversal Skills for Future Workforce: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research in Higher Education (2020–2025)

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI technologies, is transforming higher education and redefining the competencies required for the future workforce. In this context, transversal skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, digital competence, and ethical reasoning are increasingly recognized as essential for engaging effectively with AI-driven environments. Despite growing scholarly attention to AI in education, the broader research landscape connecting transversal skills and AI in higher education remains insufficiently mapped. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 1,487 Scopus-indexed publications published between 2020 and 2025. Using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, the analysis examines publication trends, collaboration patterns, leading countries and institutions, and the conceptual structure of the field. The findings reveal a rapidly expanding research landscape, particularly following the emergence of generative AI tools. AI literacy, digital competence, and critical thinking emerge as the most prominent competencies within the literature. The analysis also identifies five major research themes centered on curriculum transformation, pedagogical innovation, AI literacy and digital competence, educator capacity building, and professional readiness. Emerging topics such as metacognition, ethical reasoning, and workforce readiness suggest a growing shift toward human-centered competencies that support effective human–AI collaboration and prepare graduates for AI-driven future work environments.