Global and Regional Evolution of Economic Communication Research (1960–2024): Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18326/inject.v10i2.4884Keywords:
Economic Communication, Systematic Literature Review, Bibliometric Analysis, Communication and Development, Research TrendsAbstract
This study provides the first longitudinal and global mapping of the evolution of Economic Communication from 1960 to 2024 by combining a systematic literature review (PRISMA) with bibliometric analysis (VOSviewer) of 117 Scopus-indexed articles. The findings reveal that the field has transformed from fragmented, discipline-specific studies into an interdisciplinary domain shaped by digital transformation, globalization, and shifting policy agendas. Five interconnected thematic clusters were identified—macroeconomic growth, sustainability communication, ICT–FDI linkages, digital inequality, and crisis-related messaging—highlighting communication’s function as a governance tool, an enabler of inclusive participation, and a driver of resilience. By embedding these clusters within frameworks such as Risk Communication Theory, the Digital Divide Framework, and Global Value Chain Theory, the study advances conceptual clarity and situates communication at the center of development and policy discourse. Its contribution lies in offering a theory-anchored synthesis that bridges structural mapping with interpretive insight, while foregrounding emerging contributions from the Global South. Limitations include reliance on Scopus and English-language publications, which risks selection and language bias. Future research should expand to multi-database and multilingual corpora, integrate mixed-method approaches, and examine AI-mediated communication to address inequalities and institutional trust in diverse contexts.
References
Acs, Z. J. (2023). The global digital platform economy and the region. The Annals of Regional Science, 70(1), 101–133.
Alimbaev, A., Bitenova, B., & Bayandin, M. (2021). Information and communication technologies in the healthcare system of the republic of kazakhstan: Economic efficiency and development prospects. Montenegrin Journal of Economics, 17(3), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.14254/1800-5845/2021.17-3.12
Baker, A., Brogan, P., DeGraba, P., Dempsey, J., Janson, M., LaFontaine, P., Li, C., Makuch, K., Matraves, C., Stancill, M., Stockdale, D., & Woroch, G. (2021). Economics at the FCC 2020–21: Closing the Connectivity Gap, COVID-19 and Telehealth, Spectrum Auctions, Communications Marketplace Report, and Economic Research. Review of Industrial Organization, 59(4), 599–627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11151-021-09846-7
Bellanova, R., Carrapico, H., & Duez, D. (2022). Digital/sovereignty and European security integration: an introduction. European Security, 31(3), 337–355.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Brennan, T. J. (1992). Integrating communication theory into media policy. An economic perspective. Telecommunications Policy, 16(6), 460–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/0308-5961(92)90070-6
Connell, R. (2007). The northern theory of globalization. Sociological Theory, 25(4), 368–385.
Creswell, J. W., Hanson, W. E., Clark Plano, V. L., & Morales, A. (2007). Qualitative research designs: Selection and implementation. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(2), 236–264.
Easterbrook, W. T. (1960). Problems in the Relationship of Communication and Economic History. The Journal of Economic History, 20(4), 559–565. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022050700109830
Gandasari, D., Sugiarto, M., DwidienawatiI, D., Sarwoprasodjo, S., & Tjahjana, D. (2021). The study on the performance of beef cattle farmer groups as an economic institution in indonesia: Based on the communication networks. Estudios de Economia Aplicada, 39(4). https://doi.org/10.25115/eea.v39i4.4572
Gereffi, G. (2019). Global value chains and international development policy: Bringing firms, networks and policy-engaged scholarship back in. Journal of International Business Policy, 2(3), 195–210.
Goff, S. H., Noblet, C. L., & Anthony, J. R. (2021). Economic Valuation as a Communication Device for Environmental Philanthropy: Evidence from the Laband Field. Land Economics, 97(3), 588–607. https://doi.org/10.3368/wple.97.3.080319-0111R1
Gunnell, K. E., Belcourt, V. J., Tomasone, J. R., & Weeks, L. C. (2022). Systematic review methods. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 15(1), 5–29.
Holub, R., & Hlushchenko, O. (2017). The national Bank of Ukraine communication strategy optimization within the framework of impact on exchange rate expectations of economic agents. Economies, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/economies5030033
Kastrin, A., & Hristovski, D. (2021). Scientometric analysis and knowledge mapping of literature-based discovery (1986–2020). Scientometrics, 126(2), 1415–1451.
Klarin, A. (2024). How to conduct a bibliometric content analysis: Guidelines and contributions of content co‐occurrence or co‐word literature reviews. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 48(2), e13031.
Koldaş, U. (2017). From coercion to consent?: The paris protocol and contours of hegemonic economic communication between the Israeli and Palestinian societies. International Journal of Economic Perspectives, 11(1), 740–752. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85033448299&partnerID=40&md5=0efefa9b996bbbf59d3ce0150db40cda
Lincoln, Y. S. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry (Vol. 75). sage.
Liu, K. (2021). How does China’s information and communications technology infrastructure investment promote economic growth? Indian Growth and Development Review, 14(2), 268–280. https://doi.org/10.1108/IGDR-09-2020-0142
Marcus, J. S., & Wernick, C. (2017). Economic implications of further harmonisation of electronic communications regulation in the EU. Intereconomics, 52(4), 202–207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10272-017-0675-6
McAllister, J. T., Lennertz, L., & Atencio Mojica, Z. (2022). Mapping a discipline: a guide to using VOSviewer for bibliometric and visual analysis. Science & Technology Libraries, 41(3), 319–348.
McCloskey, D. N. (1990). If you’re so smart: The narrative of economic expertise. University of Chicago Press.
Meppem, T., & Bourke, S. (1999). Different ways of knowing: a communicative turn toward sustainability. Ecological Economics, 30(3), 389–404.
Narong, D. K., & Hallinger, P. (2023). A keyword co-occurrence analysis of research on service learning: Conceptual foci and emerging research trends. Education Sciences, 13(4), 339.
Owolabi, O. A., Adedeji, A. O., Aderounmu, B., Oku, A.-R. O., & Ogunbiyi, T. (2023). Do Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and financial development contribute to economic diversification? Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Economic Structures, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40008-023-00299-7
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., & Brennan, S. E. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Bmj, 372.
Qureshi, A. H. (2021). Communication Flows in International Economic Law: UN International Law Commission Elections & ‘Deal Making’’ in the UN.’ Manchester Journal of International Economic Law, 18(2), 160–161. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85119189518&partnerID=40&md5=5eb145e89ec28a2f7f336dc70fa60dd1
Reynolds, B., & Seeger, W. M. (2005). Crisis and emergency risk communication as an integrative model. Journal of Health Communication, 10(1), 43–55.
Saidi, K., Toumi, H., & Zaidi, S. (2017). Impact of Information Communication Technology and Economic Growth on the Electricity Consumption: Empirical Evidence from 67 Countries. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 8(3), 789–803. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-015-0276-1
Sarah, A., & Olujobi, O. (2021). The effect of communication of organisational goals on the economic performance of private owned companies: A study of selected private companies in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, 27(1), 1–16. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103728481&partnerID=40&md5=7af10097249cb1b19dfc4abcc1d0b5e8
Sénit, C.-A. (2020). Transforming our world? Discursive representation in the negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, 20(3), 411–429.
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence‐informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222.
Van Dijk, J. (2020). The digital divide. John Wiley & Sons.
Van Eck, N., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523–538.
Wilkins, K. G., & Mody, B. (2001). Reshaping development communication: Developing communication and communicating development. Communication Theory, 11(4), 385–396.
Xiao, H., & Li, L. (2021). A bibliometric analysis of critical discourse analysis and its implications. Discourse & Society, 32(4), 482–502.
Yuan, C., Li, G., Kamarthi, S., Jin, X., & Moghaddam, M. (2022). Trends in intelligent manufacturing research: a keyword co-occurrence network based review. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 33(2), 425–439.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 INJECT (Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
