The role of clusters in fostering entrepreneurship: A bibliometric study of global research trends

Abstract

This paper conducts a bibliometric exploration of research linking two concepts i.e. clusters and entrepreneurship, a domain that has expanded steadily over the past thirty years. Using 155 peer-reviewed articles sourced from the Dimensions database (1996–2025), the study applies the SPAR-4-SLR framework along with visualization software (VOSviewer) to identify intellectual patterns in publication trend, citations trend, influential journals, influential field of research and new themes map. The analysis highlights a consistent growth in publications from the early 2000s, with output peaking around 2021, followed by diversification into new thematic directions. Contributions are geographically widespread, though the United States accounts for much of the citation influence, particularly through foundational studies by Feldman (2001, 2005) and Sonfield & Lussier (2004). Among journals, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development leads in productivity, whereas Industrial and Corporate Change demonstrates higher citation impact. Bibliographic coupling reveals eight thematic clusters, centering on networks, social capital, proximity, and entrepreneurial capability as drivers of cluster vitality. Emerging topics such as digital entrepreneurship, artisanal industries, and handloom clusters suggest the field’s increasing socio-economic scope. Overall, the findings emphasize clusters as catalysts of innovation, entrepreneurship and regional competitiveness, while offering insights for scholars and policymakers interested in advancing sustainable and entrepreneurship-driven development.