Can Generative AI Revolutionise Academic Skills Development in Higher Education? A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACT This systematic review investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools on developing academic skills in higher education. Analysing 158 studies published between 2021 and 2024, it focuses on the impact of GenAI tools on the development of cognitive, technical and interpersonal skills. The results reveal that 94% of the sampled studies reported significant improvements in cognitive skills, like critical thinking, problem‐solving, analytical and metacognitive abilities, facilitated by personalised learning and feedback. Indeed, the development of technical skills was reported in research (24%), writing (26%), data analysis (33%) and technical literacy (18%). Additionally,…