A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Publications on Environmental Innovation

Environmental innovation has garnered increasing interest among scholars across diverse disciplines. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of environmental innovation literature from 1985 to 2022, reflecting the growing interest among academics from various disciplines. Utilizing VOSviewer and CiteSpace, 1552 relevant documents from the Web of Science Core Collection, underwent bibliometric analysis to discern trends and patterns. The study reveals a notable increase in academic interest in environmental innovation over time, evident from rising publications and citations. The environmental sciences ecology field emerges as the most cited domain. Research spans economics, education, sociology, and psychology, indicating a multidisciplinary approach. Notably, scholars from China, Europe, and the United States, including highly published Liao ZJ and Mazzanti M, have significant influence. Asian scholars, particularly from China, display substantial contributions. Co-occurrence analysis identifies key research hubs focusing on environmental innovation, eco-innovation, determinants, and performance. Recent breakthroughs center on environmental innovation, competitiveness, and determinants. Sustainability transition and environmental innovation remain significant areas of investigation, suggesting ongoing interest and potential for future advancements in the field. The University of Utrecht stands out for its prolific publications, while the University of Ferrara leads in citations per publication in environmental innovation research. This study provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of environmental innovation research, offering opportunities for further advancement. It serves as a foundation for scholars and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges and drive sustainable solutions through innovation.