Empowering smart societies through digital learning

In the era of digitization and globalization, education is undergoing major changes. Learning new competencies is crucial, despite some obstacles such as pandemics. It is possible to perceive the development of digital learning and the evolution of society into a smart society. The article examines the role of digital learning in this process, using a review of scientific literature. Databases such as Proquest, Emerald, Scopus, and Ebsco were searched, using terms related to online education and Society 5.0. An analysis of 27 of the 18,980 entries shows the relationship between the development of education, technology, and society. Technology influences education by promoting self-reliance. However, technology alone is not enough to improve the quality of life, hence the growing need for new forms of learning, leading to Education 5.0. E-learning, focusing on the individual learner, promotes the development of a smart society and the growth of economic activity.