Measuring 4IR Responsiveness in Vietnam's Higher Education

This research introduces a new model for university transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This new approach, known as the Innovation-driven University, applies criteria and indicators through the University Performance Metrics (UPM). The UPM has three key characteristics: radical mindset changes, holistic innovation facilitations, and ecological and social norm encouragement. Instead of past transformations' entrepreneurial approach, the innovation-driven method redefines universities as ecosystems that innovate for others rather than in isolation. An innovation-driven model facilitates the demands of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approaches, digital transformation needs, personalized education, and ecological and social norm promotion. It is a new framework to measure innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) that integrates criteria that respond to the demands of the 4IR. This article assesses UPM's ability to evaluate the 4IR readiness of 10 HEIs in Vietnam. We provide conclusions on the skills HEIs need to develop to prepare graduates for work and life in the 4IR.