Analysing scientific publications in the field of mobile information systems using bibliometric analysis

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to present a longitudinal and visualising study using bibliometric approaches to depict the emerging trends and research hotspots within the mobile information system domain.Design/methodology/approachPublications included in the Web of Science (WoS) database for 2001–2021 are reviewed and analysed on various aspects through coauthorship, cocitation and co-occurrence analysis. The analyses are conducted using VOSViewer, a scientific visualisation software program.FindingsAcademic publications related to mobile information systems fluctuated at a low level during the initial part of the 21st century and have grown rapidly in number in the past decade. The USA and China are the leading contributors to these publications and hold dominant positions in the obtained collaboration network. Computer science, engineering and telecommunications are the top three research areas in which mainstream mobile information system research occurs. Moreover, medical informatics and health-care science services have gradually become new research hotspots.Originality/valueThis study provides a systematic and holistic account of the developmental landscape of the mobile information system domain. This study provides a good basis for analysing the evolution of research in mobile information systems and may serve as a potential foundation for future research.