Mapping the knowledge of csr and sustainability

Abstract

This paper focuses on two concepts frequently used and studied by researchers: corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. In recent decades, many authors have questioned the relevance and connection between the two topics. A bibliometric analysis will be carried out with SciMAT over the period 2003–2021, to understand the evolution and relationship of the afore-mentioned terms, but also to show the relevance of the link between the different clusters, and to observe the breakdown of the driving themes over the period 2003–2021. The final purpose is to draw conclusions and indicate possible trends that will drive the path of CSR and sustainability, thus increasing scientific knowledge. The results show that the number of articles related to CSR and sustainability is steadily increasing and that the main driving themes have been CSR, sustainability and environment. Furthermore, a link between CSR, sustainability and business has been found in the analysis of the different thematic networks. The future direction of the research could be marked by a further development of the new driving themes, among which stakeholder focus and branding image stand out.