Contributions of the 5G Network with Respect to Decent Work and Economic Growth (Sustainable Development Goal 8): A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Decent work and economic growth are fundamental elements for the sustainable development of a society, with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8) being one of the key objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. The 5G network has great potential to contribute significantly to the achievement of SDG8, offering faster and more reliable connectivity, which opens up new possibilities for innovation, operational efficiency, and job creation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of 5G technologies concerning decent work and economic growth (SDG8). As part of the method, 265 articles extracted from main databases such as Scopus, IEEExplore, and ScienceDirect were analyzed using the PRISMA methodology, resulting in 74 relevant articles after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. As a result, a greater contribution to the use of the 5G network was identified in sectors such as manufacturing, health, and transportation, generating greater economic growth and job creation. It was also found that the technological applications with the greatest contributions are “Internet of Things” and “Artificial intelligence”. Finally, it was concluded that the results of this review are useful for future research on technologies that support 5G networks, contributing to economic growth and equitable and sustainable decent work in a wide range of sectors and rural areas.

1. Introduction

Decent work and economic growth are two key objectives of the global sustainable development agenda [1]. The International Labor Organization (ILO) plays a central role in promoting decent work, which is defined as “productive work carried out in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity” [2]. Decent work is important for individual workers’ well-being and it is fundamental for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. When people have decent and adequately paid employment, they can consume, invest, and contribute to the economic development of their countries. Global economic growth is a key indicator of a country’s development and prosperity. It is also important to consider an economic and environmental concept that seeks to change the way we produce, consume, and manage resources in society; the circular economy [3] can be used as an innovative approach that can transform the way economies and societies operate, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth at the same time. The world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a broad measure of global economic growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expected the world economy to grow by 6% in 2021, in stark contrast to 2020, when it experienced a contraction of −3.3% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the year 2022, which was estimated to register a growth of 4.4%. In terms of economic developments, stronger growth was projected in 2021, at 5.1%, compared to figures of −4.7% in 2020 and 3.6% in 2022. This reflects a significant improvement in the economic outlook for 2021 and 2022 compared to 2020 [4]. The World Bank estimated that the world economy grew by 2.9% in 2019. However, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an estimated contraction of 3.5% in 2020. A gradual recovery is expected in the coming years, with projected growths of 5.6% in 2021 and 4.3% in 2022 [5]. Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in global economic growth by driving investment, job creation, and technology transfer. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the FDI declined by 42% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a gradual recovery is expected in the coming years [6]. International trade is an important driver of global economic growth. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the volume of world trade in goods is expected to grow by 8.0% in 2021, following a 5.3% contraction in 2020. However, the outlook remains uncertain due to the economic and health challenges related to the pandemic [7].

However, globally, there are still significant challenges in promoting decent work and equitable economic growth. Labor informality, unemployment, underemployment, and the gender gap in employment are some of the persistent problems faced by many economies [8]. In this context, it is crucial to implement policies and strategies that promote decent work and inclusive economic growth. This implies fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening labor skills, promoting equal opportunities, and guaranteeing social protection for workers [9]. Investments in education, training, and skill development are essential to improve the employability and productivity of workers. In addition, it is important to foster the creation of quality jobs, especially in sectors that drive innovation, technology, and sustainability [10].

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges to decent work and economic growth worldwide. The health crisis has led to significant economic contraction, job losses, and increased inequality. Economic recovery and the promotion of decent work have become urgent priorities for governments and international organizations [11]. It should also be noted that decent work and economic growth are fundamental elements for the sustainable development of a society [12]. Decent work refers to jobs that offer fair, safe, and dignified conditions with social protection and labor rights. On the other hand, economic growth implies a sustained increase in production and the generation of wealth in an economy.

In this context, the 5G network, or the fifth generation of mobile technology, has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to significantly boost decent work and economic growth. This high-speed, low-latency wireless network offers faster and more reliable connectivity, opening up new possibilities for innovation, operational efficiency, and job creation [13]. It is transforming the way we work and how business operations are conducted in a variety of industries. Its advanced technical capabilities, such as low latency and increased connectivity capacity, are enabling the development of innovative applications and technologies that improve productivity and the quality of work. Investment in research and development (R&D) and the adoption of innovative technologies are key drivers of economic growth. According to the Global Innovation Index 2020, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States lead the innovation ranking, boosting their economic growth [14]. This systematic literature review aims to examine how the 5G network impacts decent work and economic growth in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8. It will analyze how this technology influences productivity, innovation, and job creation, exploring the link between 5G-related R&D investment and economic growth based on a previous study.

This article is structured in seven different sections. After the Introduction, Section 2 presents the literature review. Section 3 presents the method followed to review the literature. Section 4 shows the results. Section 5 discusses the results. Section 6 presents the main conclusions of the article, and finally, Section 7 presents the limitations and recommendations of the research.

2. Literature Review

The 5G network, or the fifth generation of mobile technology, has been considered one of the most important innovations in wireless communications [15]. It offers significantly faster data transfer speeds, a lower latency, and a higher connectivity capacity than previous generations of mobile networks. It has great potential to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, which focuses on decent work and sustainable economic growth [16], as it drives operational efficiency, fosters innovation, and creates new business opportunities. Below are some key points about the impact of the 5G network on these aspects.

2.1. Impact of 5G on Economic Growth

The 5G network provides significantly faster data transfer speeds and increased connectivity capacity, enabling the adoption and development of new digital technologies and services [17]. This technology is driving digital transformation in multiple sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare [18], transportation [19], and agriculture [20], generating new business opportunities and increasing productivity. The implementation of the 5G network is driving investments in infrastructure and related technology development, which, in turn, stimulates economic growth [21].

2.2. Impact of 5G on Decent Work

The 5G networks facilitate teleworking and remote collaboration, enabling greater work flexibility and the inclusion of people who previously had barriers to accessing certain jobs [22]. The increased connectivity and low latency of the 5G network facilitate real-time communication, improving efficiency [23] and decision making in work environments. The implementation of the 5G network also creates jobs in several sectors [24], including network-related technology, infrastructure, and services [25]. Telework and remote collaboration are clear examples of how the 5G network is boosting decent work [26].

With significantly faster data transfer speeds, the 5G network enables real-time communication, facilitating collaboration and flexible working. This provides opportunities for people to access jobs that were previously limited by geography or mobility barriers, contributing to labor inclusion and an improved work–life balance [27]. In addition, the 5G network drives industrial automation and advanced robotics, which improve efficiency and productivity in industry [28]. This enables the creation of more specialized and higher value-added jobs, as repetitive and monotonous tasks can be taken over by machines, freeing up workers for more creative and strategic tasks.

Likewise, the 5G network is driving digital transformation in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities. Telemedicine and remote healthcare benefit from the connectivity and low latency of the 5G network [18], which facilitates access to quality health services, especially in remote and rural areas. In agriculture, the 5G network enables smart agriculture by enabling the efficient monitoring and management of crops, irrigation, and livestock through sensors and data analysis [29]. In smart cities, the 5G network optimizes the management of urban services [30], such as transportation, lighting, and waste, leading to urban efficiency and sustainability [31]. These are just a few examples of how the 5G network is contributing to decent work and economic growth. As this technology becomes more widely deployed and adopted, its impact is expected to continue to expand, generating new opportunities and improving the quality of work in various sectors of the economy.

3. Methodology

This section is structured as follows: (1) purpose and questions, (2) type of study, (3) search strategy, and (4) inclusion and exclusion criteria.

3.1. Research Purpose and Questions

Based on the literature review, this study will analyze the impact of the use of 5G technologies on poverty reduction and how these technologies are integrated in different sectors to contribute directly and indirectly to poverty alleviation. The research questions are as follows:

• RQ1. How can the 5G network drive job creation in specific sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation?
• RQ2. How can the 5G network improve operational efficiency and productivity in different economic sectors?
• RQ3. What opportunities does the 5G network offer for automation and advanced robotics in industry, and what is its impact on existing jobs?
• RQ4. What are the specific applications of the 5G network in digital health and how can they improve access to healthcare services and generate employment in the healthcare sector?

3.2. Type of Study

The systematic literature review (SLR) method was chosen to develop this study because of its contribution to support practice and policy, as well as to guide future research [32]. The PRISMA method [33], which is recognized as a highly effective tool for producing quality systematic reviews, was applied because of its ability to standardize processes, minimize bias, ensure scientific rigor, and present transparent results. This is essential for an accurate assessment of the impact of 5G technology on the achievement of SDG8.

3.3. Search Strategy

The data collection method was based on a search of reliable sources, for which a review of articles was carried out, among which the following databases stood out: Scopus, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, among others. It shows the search terms and literary resources [34] used in this study that will be taken into account in the search process. A total of 265 articles were found, of which 74 relevant articles were obtained by applying the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, as shown in Figure 1 and Appendix A.

When applying the search to all of the information related to the research topic, the following keywords were considered: 5g AND (“economic growth” OR “decent work”), “Economic growth” AND ((“decent work” OR “Digital economy” OR “Job creation”) OR 5g), 5g, AND “economic growth, and “5G’s contribution to job creation”.

Three stages were used for the selection and evaluation of the collected studies. After the first search phase, in the second phase, the titles and abstracts of 191 articles were analyzed using the inclusion and exclusion criteria; finally, in the third phase, 74 articles were selected for analysis and synthesis. Figure 2 shows the process of the selection and evaluation of the studies.

3.4. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

For the systematic review study, the inclusion and exclusion criteria shown in the table below were applied (

Table 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

	Criteria
Inclusion	I01	Articles on 5G technology used for contribution to economic growth and decent work.
	I02	Articles related to 5G technology and its contribution to job creation in different economic sectors.
	I03	Articles on the impact of the 5G network on labor inclusion.
	I04	5G items that contribute to operational efficiency and productivity in different economic sectors.
	I05	Articles partially answering the research questions.
	I06	Articles in English language.
Exclusion	E01	Unrelated articles on 5G technology and its contribution to job creation in different economic sectors.
	E02	Articles that do not contribute to operational efficiency and productivity in different economic sectors using the 5G network.
	E03	Articles that have no relevance to the contribution of 5G technology to economic growth and decent jobs.
	E04	Articles that do not partially answer the research questions.

).

4. Results

A total of 265 articles found in the databases related to the research topic were analyzed, and duplicate articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were discarded. After reviewing the articles, 191 articles were excluded according to the exclusion criteria and because they did not answer the research questions, and 74 articles were obtained for systematic review.

Figure 3 shows the automation that was performed based on the PRISMA method, according to [35], mentioning the importance of this process to explain, in detail and in a transparent manner, the evaluation of the article. The inclusions and exclusions are specified in accordance with the aspects considered.

This graph (Figure 4) shows the number of articles found in the database, analyzed according to the year of publication.

Created using the VoSviewer tool [36], Figure 5 shows a bibliographic network map generated among the countries with the most research on the SDG8 topic related to 5G networks.

Figure 6 shows a word cloud extracted from the keywords of the articles that were systematized using the R Studio software version 2023.06.1 for this bibliographic analysis. The following words stand out: 5G, economic growth, and digital economy. Figure 7 also shows the tree structure with the percentages of the most repeated words according to the bibliographic analysis.

Figure 8 reveals that, in the study, China tops the list with 24 articles dedicated to research on the topic of 5G network application for job creation, closely followed by India with 13 articles. In addition, Greece has six articles, while Italy and Pakistan have three articles each in this research area.

Figure 9 also shows the authors with the highest numbers of citations per year from the articles related to the present publication, with an average of 5 TCs (total citations).

5. Discussion

5.1. Answer to the Questions

In this systematic review of the scientific literature, we analyze the impact of 5G technology on decent work and economic growth and identify the best technologies, the most frequent implementation tools, as well as the largest amount of research based on the type of sector in order to answer the proposed questions.

RQ1: 

How can the 5G network drive job creation in specific sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation?

As seen in Figure 8, China leads in the number of articles that were published in recent years related to the application of the 5G network in job creation. In addition, Figure 9 highlights that Chinese authors lead in terms of the research and mastery of 5G technology application in the context of job and economic growth. Considering this, Figure 10 shows the articles related to this topic, where the applications that have impacts on the economy through the health, transportation, and manufacturing industry sectors are identified. Of these, we can highlight the following: smart transportation (9), telemedicine (19), and smart manufacturing (14).

From

Table 2. The 5G-based applications used in specific manufacturing, transportation, and medical industries.

Specific Sectors	Application	Articles
The application of 5G technology focuses on smart manufacturing that enables the implementation of advanced automation systems, collaborative robotics, and predictive maintenance, which improves production efficiency and creates new job opportunities in terms of monitoring and managing these systems.	Smart manufacturing	[37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48]
The application of 5G focuses on high-speed telemedicine, remote surgery, and advanced monitoring systems. It enables real-time transmission of medical data, remote surgery, and remote patient monitoring, improving accessibility to medical care and creating jobs related to these technologies.	Healthcare	[49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56]
The specific application of 5G technology is in intelligent traffic management and connected transportation systems, facilitating efficient traffic management, road safety, and autonomous navigation. This drives job creation in areas such as smart mobility application development, data analytics, and infrastructure maintenance.	Smart transportation	[19,57,58,59,60,61,62]

, it can be seen that the 5G network drives job creation in the manufacturing industry through 5G-enabled smart manufacturing, enabling the implementation of automated systems, collaborative robotics, and predictive maintenance, which improves production efficiency and creates new job opportunities in terms of monitoring and managing these systems. The 5G network drives job creation in the healthcare sector through high-speed telemedicine and remote surgery, and it creates jobs related to these technologies. For the transportation sector, the 5G network drives job creation through intelligent traffic management and connected transportation systems, which enable real-time data collection and exchange between vehicles, infrastructures, and devices, facilitating efficient traffic management, road safety, and autonomous navigation. This drives job creation in areas such as the development of smart mobility applications, data analytics, and infrastructure maintenance.

These specific applications of 5G technology open new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth in each sector.

Figure 11 shows an analysis classified by the type of 5G technology used by each sector, with those with the greatest impacts being healthcare, transportation and manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and education.

The

Table 3. Detail of applications based on 5G technology.

5G Technology	Quantity	Articles
Artificial intelligence	12	[38,42,60,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71]
Big data	5	[72,73,74,75]
Blockchain	4	[49,61,76,77]
Virtual reality	3	[78,79,80]
Deep learning	2	[81,82]
Internet of Things	30	[19,39,40,41,43,44,46,48,58,59,62,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100]
Machine learning	5	[52,57,101,102,103]
Sensor networks	7	[45,51,53,54,55,56,104]
Tactile Internet	3	[37,47,50]
Others	2	[38,105]

shows the digital technologies of the articles according to the results found. Among the most outstanding are the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, sensor networks, machine learning, big data, blockchain, and virtual reality, among others.

RQ2. 

How can the 5G network improve operational efficiency and productivity in different economic sectors?

Figure 12 shows the items analyzed for their uses and impacts on operational and productive efficiency through 5G network-based technologies.

The

Table 4. Detail of items analyzed based on application and sector.

Sector	Use/ Application	Description	Articles
Trade	E-commerce	Drives the growth of digital commerce, generating employment in the areas of logistics, digital marketing, and the development of e-commerce platforms.	[38,63,70,73,77]
Education	E-learning	Facilitates access to quality education anywhere, generating employment in the creation of educational platforms and digital content.	[68,79,82,96]
Agriculture	Precision agriculture	Facilitates crop and livestock monitoring and management, creating employment demand in areas of agronomy, data analytics, and agricultural technology.	[81,87,88,102,105]
	Smart agriculture	Improves agricultural productivity and sustainable resource management, creating jobs in precision agriculture and agricultural data analysis.	[66,86,99,100]
Transportation	Smart city	Promotes the sustainable development of cities, creating jobs in areas of smart infrastructure, efficient energy, and digital public services.	[43,76,93,95,104]
Industry	Smart manufacturing	Improves production efficiency and productivity, generates employment in industry, and promotes technological innovation.	[37,38,39,40,41,42,44,45,46,47,48,83,85,90]
Tourism	Smart tourism	Improves the tourist experience through connected services and applications, generating employment in the tourism industry and promoting sustainable tourism.	[69,71,74,78,91,92,103]
Transportation	Smart transportation	Optimizes supply chain and fleet management, creating jobs in logistics, transportation, and delivery services.	[19,57,58,59,60,61,62,84]
Health	Telemedicine	Enables remote medical care and patient monitoring, improving access to healthcare and generating digital health jobs.	[49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,64,65,67,75,80,94,97,98,101,106]

provides, in detail, the items analyzed based on sector according to the parameters and functionality topics, providing evidence that the 5G network mainly improves operational efficiency and productivity in the health sector with the use of telemedicine, which enables remote medical care, patient monitoring, and the connectivity of medical devices, improving the quality of care. In the manufacturing industry, the 5G network improves operational efficiency and productivity through automation and industrial robotics that allow for the adoption of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced robotics, leading to greater productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Likewise, in the transportation sector, the 5G network improves operational efficiency and productivity by driving the implementation of smart cities; promoting the development of innovative urban solutions, such as the efficient management of public services; and driving the implementation of 5G in autonomous vehicles and in transportation infrastructure to improve efficiency, safety, and user experience.

RQ3. 

What opportunities does the 5G network offer for automation and advanced robotics in industry, and what is its impact on existing jobs?

The 5G network offers opportunities to enhance automation and advanced robotics in industry, which can increase efficiency and productivity. While there may be changes in existing jobs, new job opportunities also open up in areas related to the supervision and management of automated systems, contributing to the development of specialized skills and sustainable economic growth. This graph (Figure 13) shows the number of selected articles, grouped by their contributions to and impacts on automation and advanced robotics in industry.

Table 5. Article classification according to parameters and contributions to existing jobs.

Parameter	Contribution	Articles
Automation of repetitive and dangerous tasks	This can free employees from monotonous and risky tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities, such as the design, monitoring, and control of automated systems.	[41,44,48,83]
Collaborative robotics	They can work safely alongside humans. Instant and accurate communication between robots and other systems, thanks to 5G technology, allows for more effective and flexible collaboration in the work environment, optimizing production and improving quality.	[39,45,46]
Real-time communication and control	This facilitates the coordination of complex tasks, improves the efficiency of industrial processes, and enables greater human–robot interaction.	[40,42,43,72,85,90]
Remote monitoring and maintenance	This means that experts can access data and diagnostics remotely, making it easier to identify and solve problems, reducing downtime, and optimizing operational efficiency.	[37,38,47,89]

shows the classification of articles based on the contributions they offer through the use of 5G technologies in automation and advanced robotics in industry, according to the results found: real-time communication and control, remote monitoring and maintenance, and automation and collaborative robotics. It is important to note that while the implementation of automation and advanced robotics may affect some existing jobs, it also creates new job opportunities in terms of supervision, programming, maintenance, and the management of automated systems. In addition, it can foster the creation of jobs in related sectors, such as software development, robotics engineering, and specialized technical training.

RQ4. 

What are the specific applications of the 5G network in digital health and how can they improve access to healthcare services and generate employment in the healthcare sector?

The specific applications of the 5G network in digital health are diverse and have the potential to improve access to healthcare services and generate employment in the healthcare sector. Some of these applications are presented in Figure 14 below. The most impactful of these are remote monitoring and diagnosis, which enable the remote monitoring of patients through connected medical devices, such as sensors and wearable devices, via the 5G network. These devices can collect health data in real time and transmit them to healthcare professionals, enabling more accurate monitoring and the early diagnosis of medical conditions. This improves the quality of care and may require additional staff for data analysis and the interpretation of results. Secondly, we have remote and collaborative surgery, which, due to the low latency and high data transmission capacity of 5G, enables remote and collaborative surgeries. Surgeons can control surgical robots precisely and in real time, even over long distances. This expands the access to specialized services, as experts can provide real-time assistance from any location, which, in turn, can generate employment in the development and maintenance of these technologies.

Table 6. Article classification based on functionality and 5G technology in healthcare.

Functionality	5G Technologies	Articles
Remote monitoring and diagnostics	Artificial intelligence	[64,65,67]
	Big data	[75]
	Internet of Things	[94,98]
	Virtual reality	[80]
Mobile health and wellness applications	Blockchain	[49]
	Internet of Things	[97]
	Machine learning	[101]
	Sensor networks	[51]
Remote and collaborative surgery	Tactile Internet	[50]
	Sensor networks	[53,54,55,56]

shows, in detail, the items analyzed based on 5G technologies and the medical applications that enable the improved access to healthcare services that overcome geographical barriers and increase the efficiency of communication between patients and healthcare professionals. In addition, the implementation of these technologies can generate employment in the development, implementation, and maintenance of digital health-related infrastructures and services.

5.2. Related Work

Other articles, such as [107], were searched for their relation to the current adoption of technology in different rural areas such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. The systematic review was carried out in the following scientific databases: Taylor and Francis, IEEExplore, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Library, and ACM. Finally, 83 contributions were selected from the 234 retrieved articles. It was concluded that SMEs need to obtain a competitive advantage based on use and good technological management to improve business sustainability and economic growth through the effective management of business resources, considering that the smart city model can be adopted and applied effectively in rural contexts, as well as how smart technologies can accelerate the automation of critical processes that often require a large number of employees. This results in the creation of additional employment opportunities for skilled workers in rural areas.

In [108], a bibliometric analysis supported by the Web of Science (WoS) database was carried out through the science mapping methodology in order to evaluate the impact of teleworking at the cost level; it was found that for companies, it generally implies savings, taking into account the consumption of energy, internet connections, and tools; likewise, it reflects “apparent” savings for the worker in the reduction in travel costs to the companies.

On the other hand, in [109], a study on the role of greener innovations in promoting financial inclusion to achieve carbon neutrality was carried out; it mainly sought to explore the intertwined role of greener innovations in supporting financial inclusion for a sustainable future. As a methodology, the research approach of carrying out a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature reviews (SLRs) was applied; after applying the search strategies, 290 articles were finally considered for the final review. The analyzed results show that technological innovation can play a key role in financial inclusion towards carbon neutrality and can have some important policy implications, already generating positive effects in the short term, with important environmental, economic, and social repercussions.

Finally, the authors of [110] conducted a search from a corpus of 95 articles based on how technologies and data sources can be used to achieve a given SDG. It was identified that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) poses benefits and changes for industries and companies to address the great challenges of our society, driving job creation through initiatives such as building sustainable cities (environment), advancing medical diagnostics (society), and fostering innovation (economy).

6. Conclusions

After performing a systematic literature review of 74 articles related to the topic in question, it was concluded that the 5G network has an important contribution to decent work and economic growth. Through its ability to offer fast, reliable, and massive connectivity, the 5G network boosts job creation in various sectors and promotes sustainable economic development. The implementation of the 5G network implies the need to expand and improve telecommunications infrastructure, which generates employment in the installation, maintenance, and management of this infrastructure. Based on Figure 10 and Table 2, we conclude that the adoption of 5G technologies has a greater impact on sectors such as manufacturing, health, and transportation and creates new job opportunities in terms of monitoring, programming, data analysis, and application development.

The functionality parameters considered in the applications enabled through the 5G network in the main sectors are associated with “Real-time communication and control”, “Automation of repetitive and dangerous tasks”, “Remote monitoring and maintenance”, and “Collaborative robotics”.

Also, it was concluded that the medical applications that generate the greatest amount of employment mainly use artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and sensor networks. These technologies are based on the 5G network that allows for a fast and reliable connection, which facilitates the implementation of high-speed telemedicine services. Healthcare professionals can perform online consultations, remote diagnostics, and patient monitoring through high-quality videoconferencing. This improves the access to medical care, especially in rural or remote areas, where distance can be an obstacle.

In summary, the 5G network has a significant contribution to decent work and economic growth by generating employment, driving innovation, improving productivity, promoting the digital economy, and facilitating access to employment and educational opportunities. Its proper deployment and adoption can lead to sustainable economic growth and the creation of quality jobs in various sectors, thereby strengthening social development and improving people’s quality of life. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended for future research in the scope of this review to consider other factors such as government policies and cultural and social factors.

Finally, it is important to understand that the results of this systematic review are useful for future research to promote the research and development of 5G network-enabled technologies that contribute to economic growth and decent work in various sectors and rural areas, thus enabling sustainable and equitable economic development.

7. Limitations and Recommendations

In this review, eligibility criteria were applied to focus on studies that focus directly on the contribution of 5G technology to decent work and economic growth. While this strategy ensures a precise focus, tangential work may have been excluded. In addition, by not considering studies published in books or theses, and by excluding articles that address other aspects of 5G technology, such as its social or environmental impacts, it is likely that complementary information that is relevant to a more complete understanding of the topic was left out. Finally, the limitation to articles in English could have excluded research in other languages, which could affect the overall representativeness of our review. If these limitations had not been applied, it is likely that we would have had a larger number of included articles. These limitations emphasize the need for future broader and more inclusive studies to address this topic comprehensively.