A bibliometric analysis of China’s rural revitalization paradox: opportunities for collaboration, social innovation and global development

Isaac Sarfo (), Jiajun Qiao (), Nana Adwoa Anokye Effah (), Michael Atuahene Djan (), Dzifa Adimle Puplampu (), Michael Batame (), Rosemary Achentisa Ayelazuno (), Emmanuel Yeboah (), Michael Kpakpo Allotey () and Xiaoyong Zhu ()
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Isaac Sarfo: Henan University
Jiajun Qiao: Henan University
Nana Adwoa Anokye Effah: Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Michael Atuahene Djan: University of Nebraska
Dzifa Adimle Puplampu: University of Hull
Michael Batame: University of Georgia
Rosemary Achentisa Ayelazuno: University of Tennessee
Emmanuel Yeboah: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Michael Kpakpo Allotey: University of Ghana
Xiaoyong Zhu: Henan University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 27, issue 5, No 1, 9629-9671

Abstract: Abstract The study synthesizes research advances on China’s rural revitalization pathways using datasets generated from the Web of Science core database and visualized with R-studio’s Biblioshiny software package. A bibliometric technique was utilized to report on some key actors’ performance metrics and contributions between 2017 and 2022. This study puts forth the following points based on evidence generated (1) the rate of change analysis revealed increasing scientific output leads to the advancement of various sectors and overall societal progress (2) the top 5 performing journals, namely; “Sustainability,” “Land Use Policy,” “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,” “Land,” and “Journal of Cleaner Production” produce and disseminate information that drive innovations, socioeconomic development and policy responses (3) collaborative network analysis revealed a low level of collaboration between (i.e., inter) the top-performing authors in the field, whereas a high degree was observed among (i.e., intra) the dominant authors and their cohorts (4) the proposed thematic map classified "the concept of rural revitalization" into four broad themes: niche, motor, emerging or declining, and basic topics. Evidence-based decision-making scenarios and cross-cutting initiatives highlighted in this study foster "creative placemaking" and "smart rural shrinkage" efforts by informing the decisions of nations within the Global North and South frames to re-evaluate revitalization strategies amid sustainability concerns. Future researchers and donors are presented with the ease and avenues on where to seek appropriate information based on emerging frontiers and contributions of top journals, authors and nations with low scientific output and investments in rural development.

Keywords: Biblioshiny; Poverty alleviation; Rural revitalization; Smart rural shrinkage; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04302-w

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