This study maps and analyzes the intellectual landscape of research on innovations in higher education aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4: Quality Education), aiming to identify key trends and inform institutional strategies. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis of 1259 Scopus articles (2020–2024) and employing VOSviewer software, the research identified six emergent thematic clusters: digital transformation, AI integration, pedagogical innovation, employability, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration. Key findings highlight the influence of highly cited works discussing sustainable digital transformation, generative AI, and flexible learning models accelerated by COVID-19, reflecting higher education’s rapid adaptation to technological and societal changes. These results offer practical guidance for institutional leaders and policymakers on enhancing technology-enhanced learning, labor market-aligned curricula, and educational resilience, underscoring the value of frameworks like the Triple Helix. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive, data-driven synthesis and actionable insights toward advancing inclusive, future-ready, and sustainable educational systems.

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