International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

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Volume 8 Issue 4
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Mapping the Intellectual Structure of Circular Economy Research in SMEs: A Bibliometric Analysis

Author(s) Mr. Mukesh Sehrawat, Mini Arrawatia
Country India
Abstract The Circular Economy (CE) represents a paradigm shift essential for sustainable development. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), comprising over 90% of global businesses, are critical yet distinct actors in this transition. Despite growing scholarly attention, the intellectual structure and evolutionary trajectory of CE-SME research remain fragmented and unmapped. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to examine publication trends, influential contributors, and leading journals; identify keyword co-occurrence networks and thematic clusters; and trace the evolution of research focus from 2010 to 2024.
A bibliometric analysis of 842 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database was conducted using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. The study integrates performance analysis with science mapping techniques, including co-word analysis, thematic mapping, and temporal visualization. The findings reveal an exponential growth in publications, with an annual growth rate of 22.4%, predominantly driven by European scholars and institutions. The Journal of Cleaner Production emerges as the most influential outlet. Five major thematic clusters are identified: Operations & Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship & Business Models, Policy & Governance, Barriers & Drivers, and Digitalization & Innovation. Temporal analysis highlights a shift from early operational and waste management concerns toward strategic innovation and digital-enabled circularity in recent years.
Overall, this study offers a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of CE-SME research, clarifying its intellectual contours and dynamic evolution. It identifies established core themes and emerging frontiers, offering a structured foundation for future research, policy development, and SME practice. The findings reveal a maturing but regionally concentrated field poised for greater theoretical integration and geographical diversification.
Keywords Circular Economy; SMEs; Bibliometric Analysis.
Field Business Administration
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-06-08
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E-ISSN 2582-2160
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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