Mapping the first decade of circular economy research: a bibliometric network analysis

Abstract

Most of the previously published bibliometric studies on circular economy (CE) have only focused on one specific region or on a specific CE-related application. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis of CE scientific knowledge production on Web of Science (WoS). The research examines the dynamic growth of the CE research during three main stages between 2009 and 2018. Based on a total of 214 peer-reviewed academic articles written by 651 authors, the study provides a bibliometric analysis of the citations, co-citations, collaborations, and keywords co-occurrence networks. The study also reveals most influential authors and articles in the field. Findings show that CE research has been increasing exponentially with an uneven average growth rate of 47.1% per year. Findings also indicate that sustainability, innovation, and waste management represent the current CE “hotspots”. Practical implications and directions for future research are also discussed.