The Intellectual Structure and Evolution of Investment Efficiency Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review

Abstract

Objective: This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of investment efficiency (IE) research, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria in modern financial decision-making processes.
Methodology: Utilizing the Bibliometrix R package, the analysis reviews 950 peer-reviewed articles from 1970 to 2023. It employs advanced techniques such as factorial analysis, thematic evolution mapping, and collaboration network analysis to explore the intellectual structure and thematic progression of IE research. The data is extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection to ensure a high-quality dataset.
Findings: The study identifies major contributions in areas such as corporate governance, capital management, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. ESG factors are highlighted as a transformative theme reshaping investment strategies and the overall direction of the field.