Research on absorptive capacity in the green context: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Environmental sustainability is increasingly influencing organizational strategies, highlighting the critical role of absorptive capacity in knowledge transfer, learning, innovation, and performance within a green context. Despite a growing body of literature on this topic, a comprehensive review remains lacking. This study addresses this need by conducting a bibliometric and visualization analysis of 489 articles from the Web of Science database, providing an overarching understanding of the field’s size, dynamics, structure, and emerging trends. Using performance analysis and science mapping with VOSviewer and CiteSpace software, the research identified the most influential countries, journals, and authors; mapped the intellectual structure through co-citation analysis; and highlighted current research streams through bibliographic coupling, including green innovation, corporate social responsibility efforts, sustainable supply chain management, and inter-organizational learning. Co-word analysis uncovered research hotspots and future directions, emphasizing the centrality of absorptive capacity in linking knowledge acquisition to environmental strategies and organizational performance. Based on these findings, a systematic framework for applying absorptive capacity in the green context was developed, providing practical guidance for managers to enhance sustainability performance and competitive advantage. This study contributes to both absorptive capacity and environmental management literature by offering a holistic overview, synthesizing diverse perspectives, and bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation.