Authors: Gualtiero Fantoni, University of Pisa, Antonella Martini, University of Pisa
Cite this article: click here to copy citation – DOI: https://doi.org/10.65158/SKBX7449
Short Bio: read the authors’ bios
December 2025
Abstract
In the face of rapid technological transformations, particularly driven by Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence (AI), and digitalization, higher education institutions should radically rethink how academic programmes are designed, updated, and aligned with labour market dynamics. This article explores how data-driven approaches, advanced analytics, and AI – both traditional and generative – can be integrated into the design and strategic evolution of academic courses. It focuses on actionable datasets, organizational constraints, and the contributions of multiple stakeholders beyond the well-discussed customers (students and families) and higher education providers such as career services, credential evaluators, alumni associations, policy makers, and companies. Our contribution ends the critical literature review with a forward-looking framework for enhancing higher education course design through intelligent data integration. The goal is to move from reactive and ideologically polarized practices toward strategic, evidence-informed, and continuously adaptive educational ecosystems.
Keywords:
Higher education, Academic programme design, Artificial intelligence, Data-driven decision-making, Labour market alignment
Share the article on your social media channels: