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Digital and Sustainable Education and Social Inclusion: A Bibliometric Review with the Consolidated Meta-Analytical Approach

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  • Patricio Esteban Ramírez-Correa

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile)

  • Ari Melo Mariano

    (DataLab-Data Laboratory, Faculty of Technology, Department of Production Engineering, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia 70297-400, Brazil)

  • Maíra Rocha Santos

    (Center for Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies—CEAM, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia 70297-400, Brazil)

Abstract

Navigating the intertwined challenges of digital transformation, sustainability, education, and social inclusion is crucial for equitable global progress. This study contributes to this challenge by presenting an integrative model based on a systematic review of the scientific literature exploring their intersection. Following the Consolidated Meta-Analytical Approach Theory (TEMAC) methodology, core studies from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically selected using strict inclusion criteria and Kappa index reliability testing. The review identified five key research fronts: digital inequality, inclusive education, public policies and infrastructure, digital accessibility, and sustainable educational models. These findings collectively reveal how improving digital access, fostering inclusive governance, and ensuring equitable education emerge as interconnected drivers of sustainable development. In this regard, the proposed model aligns with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, offering a multidimensional framework to guide future research and inform the development of effective public policies for sustainable digital education.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricio Esteban Ramírez-Correa & Ari Melo Mariano & Maíra Rocha Santos, 2025. "Digital and Sustainable Education and Social Inclusion: A Bibliometric Review with the Consolidated Meta-Analytical Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5677-:d:1683337
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Maria Grazia Diana & Maria Lidia Mascia & Łukasz Tomczyk & Maria Pietronilla Penna, 2025. "The Digital Divide and the Elderly: How Urban and Rural Realities Shape Well-Being and Social Inclusion in the Sardinian Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-22, February.
    5. Anca Elena-Bucea & Frederico Cruz-Jesus & Tiago Oliveira & Pedro Simões Coelho, 2021. "Assessing the Role of Age, Education, Gender and Income on the Digital Divide: Evidence for the European Union," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1007-1021, August.
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