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Published Online: Mar 9, 2026

Economic tokenization: a bibliometric analysis of intellectual and conceptual foundations

Published Online: Mar 9, 2026

Adel BOGARI

Email: aabogari@bu.edu.sa
Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract:
This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the emerging academic field of economic tokenization. Using a dataset of 264 documents from Scopus and Web of Science, we employ performance analysis and science mapping to delineate the intellectual, conceptual, and social structures of this domain. The findings reveal a field in a nascent, pre-paradigmatic stage, characterized by exponential growth in publications since 2021 but a fragmented intellectual and social structure. Performance analysis identifies the most influential works, authors, and journals, showing that while specialized outlets drive publication volume, the most impactful research appears in top-tier finance journals. The internal citation network is sparse, indicating a lack of cohesive academic conversation. Science mapping reveals the field's intellectual foundations are built on three pillars: the foundational technology of blockchain protocols, the economic precedent of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), and the formal economic theory of "tokenomics." Co-occurrence analysis maps the conceptual landscape, which is structured around a technological core (blockchain, smart contracts) that branches into key themes such as entrepreneurial finance, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and sustainability. Temporal analysis demonstrates a clear research trajectory from foundational concepts toward newer frontiers like DeFi, DAOs, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Finally, co-authorship analysis confirms the field's social fragmentation, with research being conducted by small, disconnected teams.
Keywords:
Economic Tokenization, Financial Economics, Blockchain Protocols, Bibliometric Analysis, Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Pages:
244-276
JEL Classification:
E42; G14; O33; L86; C81
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2026.7.2(1)
How to cite:
Bogari, A. (2026). Economic tokenization: a bibliometric analysis of intellectual and conceptual foundations. Access to science, business, innovation in digital economy, ACCESS Press, 7(2), 244-276, https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2026.7.2(1)
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