Digital technologies in the circular economy: a bibliometric analysis

Manuscript code article-28286
DOI 10.1108/jts-04-2025-0016
Keywords: Digital technologies Bibliometric analysis Circular economy Artificial intelligence Digital product passports

Abstract

PurposeThis study maps the scholarly landscape of digital technologies (DT) in the circular economy (CE) using bibliometric methods to identify key trends, contributors and thematic developments.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis of 722 Scopus-indexed publications (2016–early 2025) was conducted, using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix for citation, co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses.FindingsThe analyzed literature shows rapid growth post-2020, with key contributions from Europe. Influential journals include Sustainability, Journal of Cleaner Production, Procedia CIRP and Resources, Conservation and Recycling. Core themes evolved from foundational concepts toward Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, AI and Blockchain) and policy-related topics like digital product passports (DPPs), suggesting growing interest in data-driven circularity.Research limitations/implicationsThe dataset is limited to Scopus and English-language sources, which may affect comprehensiveness. Future research should explore empirical applications, integration strategies and sector-specific digital solutions.Practical implicationsThe findings inform industry and policy actors on emerging digital enablers that support resource efficiency, transparency and sustainable innovation in circular transitions.Originality/valueThis paper offers an up-to-date, data-driven overview of the DT–CE research domain, extending prior qualitative reviews by mapping its structure and evolution over time.

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Authors

Le-Dinh, Thang Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivieres, Canada Le, Tran Duc University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA Labelle, François Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivieres, Canada

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Published December 8, 2025
Ngày nộp bài December 8, 2025
Ngày chỉnh sửa August 9, 2026
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DOI: 10.1108/jts-04-2025-0016

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