A Decade in Blockchain: A Bibliometric Reflection on the Growth and Interdisciplinary Reach of a Disruptive Technology

Abstract

This study seeks to deliver a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of blockchain research undertaken from 2013 to 2023. It seeks to map the field’s evolution, highlight emerging trends, and identify key contributors and thematic areas. Understanding these aspects is crucial for guiding future research and policymaking in the rapidly growing domain of blockchain technology. The study utilises a systematic bibliometric analysis approach and the Scopus database was used for collecting data. The analysis includes keyword trends, citation patterns, author productivity, and network analysis. The results reveal significant expansion and diversification in blockchain research, with 13,369 publications and 52,009 contributing authors. Key metrics include a total citation count of 266,483 and an average of 19.93 citations per paper, underscoring the field’s scholarly impact. The study identifies core research themes such as smart contracts, security, IoT integration, and emerging topics like AI and sustainability. The findings highlight the interdisciplinary nature of blockchain research and its global distribution, with notable contributions from China and the United States. The study’s reliance on selected databases and predefined keywords may exclude relevant grey literature and industry reports. Future research should integrate these sources for a more complete view. This study provides a panoramic view of blockchain research, offering valuable insights into its development, current state, and future directions. Identifying key trends, influential contributors, and emerging themes contributes to the academic discourse and supports strategic planning for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in blockchain technology.