Unravelling digital transformation: A dynamic bibliometric study using the R-tool on Scopus data

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) has been a pivotal influence in the global reshaping of business dynamics and organisational management. With the growing integration of digital technologies in businesses, understanding the evolution and impact of digital transformation research is crucial. Even with increasing scholarly attention, few bibliometric studies have thoroughly evaluated the advancement in this area. Therefore, this study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 2,484 Scopus-indexed publications (2015–2025) to map the intellectual structure of DT research, focusing on keyword co-occurrence, citation trends, and thematic evolution. The findings reveal that manufacturing and construction are the most extensively studied industries in DT research, reflecting the critical role of digitalisation in these sectors. The United Kingdom stands out as the top contributor to DT scholarship, generating significant high-impact research. Additionally, the development of research themes highlights virtual reality as an expanding field, indicating its rising importance for DT applications. Its research methodology mainly employs the empirical approach, emphasising the practical implications, industry adoption, and theoretical integration within the DT landscape. Despite its rapid expansion, DT research presents several critical gaps. Expanding bibliometric analyses beyond Scopus could provide a more holistic perspective on global DT research trends. This study leverages two open-source bibliometric software tools—VOSviewer and Biblioshiny—to analyse DT scholarship, systematically offering a well-structured field synthesis. The study’s outcomes have crucial consequences for scholars, policymakers, and business professionals, steering future research paths and broadening comprehension of the impact of digital transformation on innovation and digital strategy. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in DT research, integrating perspectives from business, technology, policy, and behavioural sciences to shape a holistic understanding of digital transformation and its long-term societal implications.