Three Decades of Dynamic Capability Research (1990–2023): A Visual and Comparative Analysis of Leading Journal Literature

Shenghua Zheng, Jue Chen () and HaiJie Chen
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Shenghua Zheng: Zhejiang University of Technology
Jue Chen: Zhejiang Gongshang University
HaiJie Chen: Zhejiang University of Technology

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, No 76, 2163-2191

Abstract: Abstract This comprehensive study embarks on a visual journey through three decades of dynamic capability research, scrutinizing the evolution and thematic focal points from both a Chinese and global perspective. By employing bibliometric analysis on 897 publications from leading journals within the Web of Science and CNKI databases from 1990 to 2023, the study unveils the thematic evolution, research hotspots, and divergences in scholarly attention between China and the rest of the world. Our findings highlight an increasing trend in dynamic capability-related research, with a significant rise in publications and citations, especially after the year 2000. Notably, the analysis identifies key research themes such as innovation, competitive advantage, and the resource-based view, with variations in emphasis between the Chinese and global contexts. This research underscores the pivotal role of dynamic capabilities in navigating the complexities of the digital economy, emphasizing the need for firms to continuously adapt and innovate in response to external environmental shifts. Moreover, it points out the importance of incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches and leveraging international insights to deepen the understanding of dynamic capabilities. This study enriches the discourse in the knowledge economy by providing a nuanced understanding of the development and impact of dynamic capabilities on strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to foster technological advancement and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Keywords: Dynamic capabilities; Strategic management; Digital economy; Cross-disciplinary analysis; Innovation; Entrepreneurship; Technology; Society; Bibliometric analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02011-x

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