Advances in the innovation of management: a bibliometric review

Abstract

As the production model transforms from industrial manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy, management innovation becomes a strong driving force for economic growth and social development. This study examines academic findings on management innovation using the latest bibliometric methods and visualization tools based on papers published in top management journals in the Web of Science database from 2008 to 2022. (1) There are three main research hotspots. Through citation orientation, the research hotspots are business model innovation and environmental innovation; through outcome orientation, the research hotspot is knowledge innovation; and through intermediary orientation, the research hotspot is open innovation. (2) Regarding the distribution of major research institutions, seven institutions in the United States focus on innovation research and have a high impact. Six institutions in the United Kingdom focus on innovation research. Meanwhile, nine and three related institutions in Europe and Asia focus on innovation research, respectively. (3) Distribution of innovation articles in journals, Research Policy, Technovation, Journal of Product Innovation Management, and Industrial Marketing Management, contains the largest number of innovation research articles. Furthermore, this study examines new hot topics with time change and digital innovation. This paper provides the latest overview of innovation research in management and discusses the evolution and development of this field.