From Mapping to Theory: Advancing the Academic Conversation through Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Reviews

By Giacomo Marzi , Marco Balzano , Andrea Caputo and Massimiliano M. Pellegrini

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While there is a burgeoning number of bibliometric studies, many scholars are skeptical concerning their scholarly value especially in terms of advancing theory. Advancements in software tools such as VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and SciVal have made bibliometric studies more accessible. Researchers can quickly analyse data retrieved from different databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. This ease of access has driven a proliferation of bibliometric analyses across disciplines. While bibliometric studies offer great potential to provide quantitative insights into the structure and dynamics of research fields, they have been frequently criticized for their limited contribution as they are often constrained to descriptive descriptions of the state of the art. This led scholars to debate bibliometric papers’ broader validity and utility in advancing knowledge.

We aim to address the criticisms of bibliometric reviews and discuss how bibliometric methods can actually be used for the development of meaningful theoretical contributions which is crucial for reviews to advance knowledge in the field of management (Kunisch et al., 2023; Post et al., 2020). We propose a multi-method framework – “B-SLR” (Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review) –that combines transparent data retrieval, bibliometric methods, systematic literature review methods, and ad-hoc methods for theoretical contributions (for more details see Marzi et al., 2025 as well as a companion website (https://www.b-slr.org/) and teaching resources). Overall, we believe the framework can also be helpful to reviewers and editors in assessing contributions from such studies.

The B-SLR framework focuses on the critical junctures between bibliometric methods and systematic literature review, enabling a more informed and comprehensive review process. This integration seeks to bridge the gap between descriptive mapping and conceptual development, offering a pathway to uncover meaningful insights and advance theoretical frameworks. The B-SLR multi-method framework consists of 10 steps and emphasizes three key junctures: ensuring effective and transparent data collection (steps 1 to 5), applying bibliometric analyses to examine the literature’s content (steps 6 to 8), and producing a bibliometric-based literature review aiming for theoretical development (steps 9 and 10). While steps 1 to 5 broadly apply to various types of literature reviews (e.g., fully bibliometric studies, systematic literature reviews, integrative reviews), steps 6 to 10 are specifically designed to achieve the primary objective of a B-SLR study: the development of a theoretical contribution.

After selecting the most suitable bibliometric approach (e.g., co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling) in the 6th step, researchers take the first attempt toward theoretical development: identifying the topics within the clusters generated by the bibliometric analysis. This can be accomplished using four key strategies with the support of VOSviewer:

• Iterative resolution adjustment. Explores how clusters change with parameter modifications, aiding in the identification of both broad and specific topics.
• Comparative cluster analysis. Examines the stability and variability of clusters across different settings, with core topics remaining stable while peripheral ones fluctuate.
• Thematic homogeneity assessment. Ensuring clusters are thematically coherent by balancing breadth and depth through resolution adjustments.
• Benchmarking against known literature. Validates clusters by appropriately grouping key studies, serving as a quality control measure and aligning the analysis with established knowledge.

Subsequently, researchers should determine the appropriate number of studies within each identified cluster. To address this, we recommend utilizing bibliometric indicators such as normalized citations or a newly developed metric, the “Composite Biblio-Metric Influence Score” (CBIS). With this selection finalized, researchers proceed to the systematic literature review, now grounded in the insights derived from the bibliometric analysis.

Following the systematic literature review, researchers are encouraged to develop a theoretical contribution (Kunisch et al., 2023; Post et al., 2020), either assuming a criticizing or integrative perspective. The resulting theory can be informed by insights derived from the bibliometric analysis. Drawing on the various forms of theoretical contributions outlined by Post et al. (2020), the B-SLR framework can support the following types of contributions:

• Research agendas. By integrating bibliometric analyses with systematic literature reviews (SLRs), researchers can identify critical gaps and emerging areas through cluster-level and holistic analyses of the selected studies. Bibliometric tools facilitate the clustering and mapping of existing literature, enabling a systematic exploration of areas with high research activity and uncovering knowledge gaps. This approach provides valuable insights and suggestions for future research directions and theoretical development.
• Taxonomies. Researchers can proceed with a structured synthesis of theoretical constructs, revealing the relationships between core concepts and their variations, which are subsequently organized into distinct themes or constructs. These clusters can be analyzed in relation to established theories or leveraged to define new theoretical categories, fostering deeper conceptual clarity and innovation.
• Alternative models. Researchers can identify alternative models by uncovering previously overlooked connections and re-conceptualizing established ideas. Researchers can identify inconsistencies or limitations in existing models by analyzing clusters generated by bibliometric methods. This allows for the reorganization of knowledge by integrating insights from previously unlinked clusters, offering a fresh perspective and advancing theoretical innovation.
• Metatheoretical approaches. Researchers can expand theoretical applications by employing analogical reasoning to link clusters with frameworks from other disciplines. By identifying patterns within and between clusters that align with external theoretical frameworks, researchers can draw meaningful analogies and apply these frameworks in new contexts, fostering interdisciplinary insights and advancing conceptual development.

In conclusion, we hope our methodological guidelines can favor the prosperity of review-based research, which is both meaningful and theoretically relevant. The transformation of a literature review from a descriptive overview into a significant theoretical contribution ultimately rests on genuine human curiosity, interpretative expertise, and ingenuity.

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References

Kunisch, S., Denyer, D., Bartunek, J. M., Menz, M., & Cardinal, L. B. (2023). Review research as scientific inquiry.?Organisational Research Methods,?26(1), 3-45. https://doi.org/10.1177/10944281221127292

Marzi, G., Balzano, M., Caputo, A., & Pellegrini, M. M. (2025). Guidelines for bibliometric-systematic literature reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis, and theory development.?International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), 81–103.?https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381?

Post, C., Sarala, R., Gatrell, C., & Prescott, J. E. (2020). Advancing theory with review articles.?Journal of Management Studies,?57(2), 351-376. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12549