Mapping the Intellectual Structure and Evolution of Innovation Survey Research: A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis of European and Non-European Perspectives

Abstract

Innovation Survey Research (ISR) has developed over three decades since the launch of the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) in 1992, yet no prior study has systematically mapped its intellectual structure, developmental trajectories, or regional differences. This study addresses three research questions: (1) the knowledge growth, impact and collaborative relationships of ISR; (2) the trajectories of evolution and transformation of its core research themes; and (3) the differences between European and non-European ISR. We conducted a comparative bibliometric analysis of 1,012 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1995 and 2024, combining co-occurrence network mapping, Leiden clustering and thematic literature review of representative works within each cluster. ISR has shown sustained growth since 2008 and a sharp increase in citations after 2020, reaching 54,451 total citations. Six thematic clusters were identified: firm innovation activities, open innovation and absorptive capacity, innovation types, manufacturing and service innovation, eco-innovation and innovation ambidexterity. These clusters have evolved from industry-centred RnD towards more specialised innovation typologies. After excluding 17 theoretical or multi-region articles, comparative analysis between European ([Formula: see text]) and non-European ([Formula: see text]) ISR reveals different trajectories. European ISR shows higher journal concentration and five clusters centred on complex topics such as open innovation and innovation ambidexterity, while non-European ISR displays a more dispersed structure with three clusters emphasising fundamental innovation activities, innovation barriers and developing-economy contexts. This study offers the first comprehensive knowledge map of ISR, contributing to understanding its intellectual evolution and regional characteristics, with implications for innovation policy, data infrastructure and international research collaboration.