Quality 5.0: a systematic literature review and a gap-driven research agenda

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to clarify how Quality 5.0 is conceptualised in the emerging literature and to consolidate a coherent research agenda. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a systematic literature review of 37 selected contributions that are analysed along four dimensions: Industry 5.0 pillars, quality aspects, human roles and enabling technologies. A qualitative gap analysis is then conducted to identify limitations, which are synthesised into higher-level research avenues. Findings The findings indicate that Quality 5.0 research is predominantly shaped by human-centric perspectives and hybrid human–technology configurations. Human roles are mainly framed as decision maker and knowledge provider supported by AI, IoT and data-driven technologies. Major gaps persist, including missing operational metrics, weak integration with quality practices, limited empirical validation, insufficient data and AI governance and unresolved interoperability and capability challenges. These gaps are consolidated into a gap-driven research agenda around three research avenues: (1) operationalising human-centric and sustainable quality, (2) validation, capability building, and organisational change and (3) governance and integration of Quality 5.0 Systems. Originality/value This paper advances the Quality 5.0 discourse by moving beyond fragmented conceptualisations and proposing an integrated, gap-driven research agenda that systematically links Industry 5.0 principles, human roles, quality dimensions and enabling technologies. By doing so, it provides structured guidance for both researchers and practitioners to implement Quality 5.0 as a coherent socio-technical quality management paradigm, supporting the integration of human-centric and sustainability indicators, digital technologies and governance mechanisms within quality management systems.