Fostering an Innovation Culture in the Education Sector: A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Hackathon Research

Abstract

Despite originating in the tech industry, hackathons have now been adopted in a variety of domains. However, little is known about the status of hackathon literature within educational research. As the number of studies grows, it is essential to develop an understanding of the current state and identify prevalent topics and trends shaping the literature. Toward this goal, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis and scoping review on hackathon research in the field of education. A total of 249 documents written by 1,309 authors and published in 180 unique sources for the period 2014–2022 were identified. Collectively, the dataset amassed 1,312 citations with an average of 6.69 citations per document. The most prevalent subject areas were computer science, social sciences, engineering, medicine, and business. Word frequency analysis showed that “innovation” was the most occurring word, which represents the fundamental objective of hackathon events. The most influential work was the analysis of hackathons as an informal learning platform. Engineering education was the most trending topic while healthcare is an emerging research cluster. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the hackathon literature and its research landscape in an educational setting.

Review of hackathon adoption factors in education

“…Lastly, there's a growing trend of recognizing participation in hackathons in academic records or through certificates. This recognition serves to acknowledge the practical problem-solving abilities that participants develop during these events (Garcia, 2023;Heller et al, 2023;. These trends highlight the evolving role of hackathons in education, demonstrating their potential as powerful tools for learning, innovation, and skill development.…”

The Role of Higher Education for Ensuring National Security in Ukraine

“…According to Mohammed Isa (2022) STEM education is aimed at producing scientifically literate citizens and potentially scientific and technical human resources. Garcia (2023) states that STEM education fosters a culture of innovation that has direct applications in national security. In addition, STEM expertise is significant in identifying vulnerabilities in the society, implementing effective protective measures, and responding to potential threats that could impact national security (Saw, 2020).…”

Navigating the hackathon: Exploring participant experience, confidence and anxiety

“…These events stand out as innovative platforms in the realm of higher education, providing a distinctive combination of applied theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience (Brdnik et al, 2023;Starov et al, 2015). They serve as catalysts for educators, facilitating the integration of theoretical concepts with real-world challenges, and fostering a culture that embraces innovation and adaptability (Garcia, 2023). Hackathons immerse participants in rapid, challenging environments, fostering resilience, critical thinking and efficient teamwork.…”

“…They offer a conducive environment for exploration and experimentation, embracing the potential for failure as a stepping stone to skill development. Such skills are essential for successfully navigating the ever-changing landscapes of education and technology (Garcia, 2023).…”