The article presents the evolution of approaches to maintenance in the context of technological, industrial and socio-economic development. The analysis covers successive stages in the development of maintenance strategies – from the reactive approach characteristic of the early days of industrialisation, through preventive and predictive maintenance models, to contemporary concepts based on digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the principles of sustainable development. Particular attention is paid to the links between the development of industrial technologies and the evolution of maintenance management methods, including the impact of Industry 4.0 and the concept of Industry 5.0. The article also discusses the importance of sustainability as a key factor shaping modern maintenance systems and provides an overview of research on the integration of economic, environmental and social aspects in the assessment of maintenance effectiveness. On this basis, directions for further research are proposed, focusing on identifying the maturity level of maintenance systems and developing tools to support their development in modern industry.