Mapping the Intellectual Landscape of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: A Bibliometric Analysis

Sheng Jiang

European Journal of Engineering and Technologies, 2026, vol. 2, issue 1, 22-45

Abstract: Driven by advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and the evolving frameworks of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, the manufacturing sector is experiencing a swift digital transformation. Despite significant growth in related research, a comprehensive synthesis of its intellectual landscape is still lacking. To address this gap, the present study applies a large-scale bibliometric approach, analysing 4,949 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection with the aid of CiteSpace, HistCite, and VOSviewer, aiming to delineate research trends, thematic groupings, and collaboration patterns. The results show a sharp increase in publications after 2017, with growing attention to cyber-physical systems, digital supply networks, servitisation, and sustainability. Co-citation and keyword analyses reveal a shift from technology-focused studies toward integrated, human-centric, and value-oriented digital strategies. The analysis further highlights fragmented collaboration patterns and underexplored thematic linkages, indicating opportunities for interdisciplinary and international research. Overall, this study provides a structured, data-driven overview of the field and offers insights to support both future research and managerial decision-making in manufacturing digital transformation.

Keywords: digital transformation; advanced manufacturing technologies; manufacturing sector; bibliometric analysis; Industry 4.0; Industry 5.0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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