A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends and Emerging Themes in ESG Research

Abstract

The article employs a bibliometric analysis on the ESG research from 2005 to 2024 to provide a comprehensive assessment of global trends and emerging topics. Analysis of results shows a clear trend toward the increase in Annual Scientific Production starting in 2015 and especially pronounced from 2020. This may suggest institutionalization of the field. China, Italy and Spain were classified as the highest contributors. There was, however, a significant citation impact imbalance at the international level with Poland in front having been cited 11 times emphasising a discrepancy between numbers of publications and an international research impact. India was identified as a significant research gap with the 19th highest output but low international citation impact although policies have newly emphasized sustainability.

Analysis of keyword co-occurrence suggests that most of the studies are concentrated on sustainability, environmental policy, corporate governance and financial performance. This shows a thematic bias in which the social pillar is muted. The analysis also serves as a valuable guide for academics, practitioners, and policymakers by providing well-established lines of research as well as underlining the urgency for future research to focus on developing economies, balance among three ESG pillars, and further strengthen worldwide collaboration networks.