Work

Evolution of the Conceptual Foundations of Digital Inclusivity and Green Economic Growth: a Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Landscape

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The article examines the evolution of the conceptual foundations of digital inclusion and green economic growth within the contemporary scientific landscape. The study focuses on the transformation of approaches to digital inclusion from a predominantly technological interpretation associated with access to digital infrastructure and overcoming the digital divide toward a multidimensional concept encompassing digital skills, accessibility, digital equity, social participation, and sustainable development outcomes. The research also explores the growing convergence between digital and green transformation agendas and the emerging role of digital inclusion as a potential factor in ensuring inclusive and environmentally oriented economic development. To identify the dynamics of conceptual and terminological changes, the study applies a combination of analytical approaches, including Google Trends analysis of search interest in the terms “digital inclusion” and “green economic growth”, Google Books Ngram Viewer analysis of their long-term terminological prevalence, and bibliometric analysis of scientific publications using VOSviewer. The results demonstrate an increasing research interest in digital inclusion and a gradual expansion of its thematic boundaries, accompanied by the strengthening of links between digitalization, sustainable development, green economy, and environmental sustainability. The bibliometric analysis identifies major thematic clusters and their interconnections, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the research field. The findings confirm a gradual shift from the digital divide paradigm toward a broader understanding of digital inclusion as a multidimensional condition for social and economic participation and reveal the increasing integration of digital inclusion into the discourse of green transformation and sustainable economic development. The study provides a basis for further theoretical and empirical research into the role of digital inclusion as a potential catalyst for green economic growth.

Source: Herald of Khmelnytskyi National University Economic sciences

DOI: 10.31891/2307-5740-2026-358-19

Authors: Yevheniia ZIABINA, Tingting YIN

Institution: Sumy State University

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Transformation

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine