Abstract

This study analyzes the process of strengthening research competence in university students, revealing its multidimensional nature and identifying various determining factors at the international, national, and regional levels through the use of the PRISMA methodology. Sixty scientific articles published between 2020 and 2024 were gathered from major databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. The findings highlight the importance of innovative pedagogical and technological approaches that foster critical thinking and problem-solving through active and participatory strategies. Additionally, bibliometric analysis was used to map trends in educational research: the co-authorship map reveals a consolidated network of researchers, with Naumann and Schneider as central figures in academic collaboration, whereas keyword analyses show a concentration of studies around three main clusters: educational assessment, professional competency development, and program evaluation. The positive influence of digital technologies on information management and communication is also highlighted as a crucial factor for the development of these competencies. This work also reflects on the need to reform higher education curricula to incorporate the development of research competencies from a multidisciplinary perspective, with a particular emphasis on the social sciences.