Mapping Sustainable Innovation in Latin America: Scientific Production and Regional Trends

Díaz F.; Liza R.; Cerna N. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2025.1.1.778

Resumen

This study presents a bibliometric review of the scientific production on sustainable innovation in Latin America during the period 1993–2025. Drawing on data from Scopus and Web of Science, a total of 664 peer-reviewed documents were analyzed to identify trends in publication output, regional disparities, patterns of international collaboration, and thematic structures. The findings reveal a marked increase in publication activity over the past decade, with Brazil and Mexico emerging as the primary contributors to the field. However, notable asymmetries persist both in terms of national research capacity and the distribution of collaborative networks across the region. Moreover, keyword analysis indicates a strong thematic concentration around environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and the strategic role of BRICS countries, reflecting the growing influence of Global South perspectives. Strategic thematic mapping further identifies emerging research areas, including green finance and agribusiness sustainability, which are gaining visibility but remain underdeveloped. Nonetheless, the analysis also exposes a fragmented conceptual landscape, characterized by limited integration across thematic clusters and disciplines. This fragmentation underscores the need to promote greater regional integration, foster interdisciplinary research, and enhance the inclusion of underrepresented countries and research topics. In sum, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolution, structure, and thematic orientation of sustainable innovation research in Latin America. Furthermore, it offers strategic insights to inform future academic inquiry and guide policy alignment toward more inclusive and regionally grounded sustainability agendas. © LEIRD 2025.All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Autónoma del Perú