Bibliometric analysis of Sustainable Business Models: Emerging trends and future developments

This research investigates the trends in sustainable business models (SBMs), tackling the existing lack in comprehensive literature analysis despite huge amount of studies related to this topic. By analysing 1085 publications on SBM from 2002 to 2021 using Elsevier’s Scopus database, the research provides an empirical overview of the field, highlighting key contributions, authors, and journals. This approach not only ensures the creation of a rich, multidimensional dataset across different fields but also unveils the intricate networks of research clusters that define the SBM domain. Advanced network analysis using VOSviewer software identifies main research clusters in the SBM literature. The analysis includes citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence. Findings indicate that many studies concentrate on innovations and value creation at the heart of SBMs. Moreover, the research trends identified in SBMs encompass several crucial areas: the integration of circular economy principles into business models, innovative approaches in sustainable supply chains, the intersection of entrepreneurship with corporate social responsibility, and the role of new technologies and artificial intelligence in enhancing environmental management. Finally, this work not only synthesizes the current state of SBM research but also identifies gaps and suggests directions for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to developing SBMs that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. Through this enhanced understanding, the paper aims to inspire continued exploration and innovation in the field, supporting the global transition towards more sustainable business practices and operations.