Exploring the Pathways of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in the Era of Industrial Revolutions: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda DOI: https://doi.org/10.33093/ijomfa.2026.7.1.14

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Published: Feb 28, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33093/ijomfa.2026.7.1.14
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Bibliometric Analysis, Industrial Revolutions, Scimago Graphica, Sustainable Development

Main Article Content

Xu Bin
School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Teh Sin Yin
School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9439-4407
Sajal Saha
Department of Mathematics, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly pivotal role in driving innovation and promoting sustainable development across various sectors amid the ongoing wave of industrial revolutions. However, the existing research lacks a systematic and quantitative overview of how AI contributes to sustainability goals. This study addresses this gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 101 articles from the Web of Science Core Collection, using the keywords “sustainab*”, “artificial intelligence”, and “industrial revolution”. Analytical tools such as VOSviewer and Scimago Graphica were employed to generate keyword co-occurrence maps, publication trends, and research collaboration networks. The results show that scholarly interest in the intersection of AI and sustainability has significantly increased since 2018, with rapid growth in publication and citation numbers. Keyword clustering reveals five major research themes: intelligent technologies, sustainability-focused innovation, industrial transformation, digital integration, and collaborative ecosystems. Moreover, overlay and density visualisations demonstrate a clear evolution from early theoretical innovations to recent application-driven and governance-oriented research. This study contributes to the literature by mapping the intellectual landscape of this interdisciplinary field and providing a strategic foundation for future research directions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, future research should explore the integration of AI with circular economy practices to enhance sustainable production. It should also address the development of governance and ethical frameworks for AI-driven decision-making in sustainability contexts. In addition, scholars are encouraged to expand cross-industry applications of AI to accelerate progress toward multiple SDGs.

Article Details

How to Cite
Bin, X., Sin Yin, T., & Saha, S. (2026). Exploring the Pathways of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in the Era of Industrial Revolutions: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda : DOI: https://doi.org/10.33093/ijomfa.2026.7.1.14. International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting, 7(1), 392–413. https://doi.org/10.33093/ijomfa.2026.7.1.14
Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)
Section
Management, Finance and Accounting
Author Biographies

Teh Sin Yin, School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

Teh Sin Yin is an Associate Professor of Operations and Business Analytics at the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia. She specialises in Statistical Quality Control, Operations Management and Business Analytics. Teh has published more than 100 papers in international journals and proceedings including journals of ISI Q1. She can be contacted at email: tehsyin@usm.my.

Sajal Saha, Department of Mathematics, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sajal Saha is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Dhaka, Bangladesh. He earned his Ph.D. from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He is a life member of the Bangladesh Mathematical Society. Dr. Saha’s primary research interest is Statistical Quality Control, and he has published more than fifty articles in reputable journals. He can be contacted at email: sajal.saha@iubat.edu.

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