Global research trends in TVET and entrepreneurship education within pondok education: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Pondok learning institutions have played a key role in preserving the Nusantara intellectual legacy for centuries. However, the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) requires an urgent review of their traditional curricula to maintain graduates' competitiveness in today’s working environment. This study aims to systematically map the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and entrepreneurial education to instill the values in pondok education to enhance graduates' employability in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) through Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) Theory. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method and bibliometric analysis based on PRISMA 2020 for 15 articles from Scopus AI and Semantic Scholar AI from the period 2021–2025, with the assistance of Harzing’s Publish or Perish and VOSviewer.  Current existing literature remains fragmented, conceptually emphasizing entrepreneurship without structured TVET integration in Pondok institutions. Furthermore, a predominance of qualitative methods indicates that research in this area is still in the exploratory and investigative stages. Nevertheless, results demonstrate that entrepreneurship education significantly bolsters the sustainability of Pondok institutions and enhances students' economic capabilities.  This research extends the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude theory by integrating Tauhidic perspectives, providing a strategic research map for policymakers and Pondok administration. Additionally, the study aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education and economic growth. Despite limitations in secondary data and a small number of articles, this study highlights the need for future empirical research to develop a contextual Pondok TVET–entrepreneurship model.