Digital financial inclusion as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and sustainability: A bibliometric analysis (2014-2024)

Identifier:  imarina:9470728

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9470728

Authors:  Salazar-Uribe MY; Terán-Bustamante A; Hernández-Lara AB; Salgado-García JA

Abstract:
Objective. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of keywords to identify strategic topics in digital financial inclusion (DFI) and their relationship with sustainability and economic growth between 2014 and 2024. Design/Methodology/Approach. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on a sample of 1,234 academic articles indexed in Scopus using the Bibliometrix tool in R. Keyword co-occurrence was examined using multiple correspondence analysis and K-means clustering to reveal thematic structures. Results/Discussion. A total of six thematic clusters were identified: (1) threshold effect, (2) digital transformation, (3) central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), (4) sustainable development, (5) financial and digital literacy, and (6) fintech. These clusters demonstrated the evolution of DFI from its initial role as a technological enabler, such as fintech and blockchain, to its current impact on economic development, growth, and sustainability. This analysis proposed a conceptual model of DFI. In this model, digital literacy and fintech functioned as enablers. Meanwhile, CBDCs and blockchain technology served as structural tools. Digital financial inclusion was defined as a mechanism for inclusive economic development. Conclusions. The findings contributed to an understanding of how financial digitization is linked to sustainability strategies and long-term economic growth. Originality/Value. This research provided insights based on a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of DFI, incorporating literature on economic sustainability and digital innovation. This empirical approach, which differed from narrative reviews and isolated case studies, enabled the visualization of the conceptual structure of the field and the identification of research gaps.