A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends in sustainable inclusive economic growth within the SDG 8 framework from 2015 to 2025 using Biblioshiny and VOS viewer

Abstract

Purpose United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 8 specifically advocates for sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, alongside full employment and decent work for all. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Sustainable Inclusive Economic Growth (SIEG) within the framework of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth from 2015 to 2025. It evaluates research trends, influential authors, institutions, and thematic clusters, while also identifying gaps and future research directions. 4Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India Design and methodology Data was systematically extracted from Scopus using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA approach. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database (2014–2025) using a structured search string. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed through Biblioshiny (R-tool) and VOSviewer, supplemented by Lotka’s Law of Scientific Productivity and Zipf’s Law of Word Occurrence. These methods enabled the identification of co-authorship patterns, thematic evolution, and institutional contributions. Findings: Findings reveal a substantial increase in research output post-SDG 8, with a notable surge after 2019, coinciding with global efforts toward the UN 2030 Agenda. China, India, and Italy emerged as the most productive countries, while “Sustainability (Switzerland)”, published by MDPI, ranks as the leading journal in this domain. The most highly cited researchers include Bekun FV and Onifade ST from Turkey, along with Zhang X from China. A co-authorship network analysis of top countries identifies six clusters, with India leading in collaboration, contributing 63 publications. The co-occurrence network of keywords highlights dominant themes such as sustainable development and Sustainable Development Goals in relation to SIEG and SDG 8. Thematic evolution shows a shift from financial inclusion and CSR (2014–2023) toward digital economy, blue economy, employment, and entrepreneurship (2024–2025). These findings highlight the dynamic and policy-relevant trajectory of SDG 8 research. Originality Unlike prior studies that broadly examined sustainability or SDGs, this research exclusively integrates SIEG with SDG 8 using an institutional and thematic lens. By linking bibliometric insights to policy imperatives such as inclusive employment and sustainable innovation, the study bridges the gap between bibliometric analysis and actionable strategies for advancing SDG 8. Keywords Sustainable inclusive economic growth (SIEG), Inclusive growth, Sustainable economic growth, Economic sustainability, SDG 8, Scopus, Lotka’s law of scientific productivity, Zipf’s law of word occurrence