How Bibliometric Analysis Reveals the Future of Sustainable Digital Economy in ASEAN

A new bibliometric analysis published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications provides a comprehensive map of sustainable development research within the global digital economy. The study, which examines scholarly articles from the Web of Science database, identifies three evolutionary phases: initial stability, gradual acceleration, and a recent surge peaking over the last two years. It highlights China, the United States, and the United Kingdom as leading research contributors, with strong collaboration between China and the US.

Core research themes center on “digital economy,” “digital transformation,” and “sustainable development,” with an emerging cluster dedicated to environmental governance—particularly carbon emissions and energy consumption. The study predicts that the next frontier will focus on integrating the digital economy with green initiatives, innovation, and the development of robust digital ecosystems.

Regional Impact for ASEAN

For Southeast Asia, these findings carry significant implications. ASEAN economies are rapidly digitizing, yet research on sustainable digital development remains fragmented. The bibliometric trajectory suggests that the region must accelerate its own research output and cross-border collaboration to stay competitive. The growing emphasis on environmental governance indicates that ASEAN countries should prioritize digital tools for carbon monitoring, energy efficiency, and circular economy models. Moreover, the strong collaborative networks observed globally—particularly between the US and China—serve as a model for ASEAN member states to strengthen intra-regional partnerships in digital innovation and sustainability research.

Future Outlook

Over the next three to five years, ASEAN is poised to become a key region for digital economy sustainability studies. As governments push digital transformation agendas—such as Indonesia’s Digital Roadmap and Thailand’s Thailand 4.0—integrating green metrics will be crucial. Investment in digital infrastructure should align with environmental targets, and policy frameworks must encourage research on AI-driven energy optimization, blockchain for carbon trading, and smart grid technologies. The bibliometric road map suggests that ASEAN can leapfrog by fostering dedicated research clusters in green digital innovation, leveraging its young workforce and growing tech ecosystem. Regional cooperation mechanisms like the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 could be updated to explicitly incorporate sustainability indicators and joint research initiatives.

Conclusion

The bibliometric analysis offers a clear map of where global digital economy research has been and where it is heading. For ASEAN, the message is clear: sustainable digital growth requires deliberate integration of environmental governance, collaborative research networks, and a forward-looking policy environment. By aligning with these global trends, ASEAN can not only contribute to the global knowledge base but also ensure that its digital transformation is both inclusive and sustainable.