Advancing research on FinTech and sustainability: a longitudinal bibliometric analysis
Published Online: Dec 24, 2025
Email:
marmiralles@unex.es
University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
Email:
miralles@unex.es
University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
Email:
azaharagc@unex.es
University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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Abstract:
The aim of this study is to identify advances in research on financial technology and sustainability by conducting a longitudinal bibliometric analysis that allows us to detect thematic changes and continuities over time. To that end, we employ the Science Mapping Analysis Tool (SciMAT) which delivers scientific maps to identify motor, potential, emerging or isolated themes across different periods. Therefore, we conduct a thematic evolution analysis of 280 publications indexed in the Core Collection of Web of Science and Scopus and display strategic maps that reveal which themes are well developed in two different periods: the earliest stage of research (2015-2022) and more recently, when the number of publications has increased intensely (2023-2024). Our overall results reveal that this is a dynamic field of research that initially focused on analyzing the capacity of FinTech services to build a more just and equitable society. In contrast, recent studies focus primarily on analyzing the capacity of the FinTech industry to protect the environment. These findings are useful not only for researchers, but also for professionals and policymakers because they provide critical resources for developing business strategies and formulating public policies.
Keywords:
JEL Classification:
A13; G23; O16; M21
How to cite:
Miralles-Quirós, M.M., Miralles-Quirós, J.L., Gil-Corbacho, A. (2026). Advancing research on FinTech and sustainability: a longitudinal bibliometric analysis. Access to science, business, innovation in the digital economy, ACCESS Press, 7(1), 144-162, https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2026.7.1(8)
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