Mapping the global trends of innovation consciousness: Hotspots and interdisciplinary insights

This study aims to map the global trends of innovation consciousness, exploring its interdisciplinary intersections, research hotspots, and frontier issues from 2014 to 2024. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of innovation consciousness and to identify key research directions. The study employs bibliometric methods using the Web of Science database, with a total of 911 relevant publications selected for analysis. Tools such as CiteSpace and ArcGIS were utilized to conduct a variety of analyses, including keyword co-occurrence analysis, burst term analysis, journal dual-map overlay, national collaboration network analysis, and clustering analysis. This mixed-methods approach allows for a robust examination of the global research trends in innovation consciousness. The analysis reveals that education, management, technology, and creativity are the core research areas in the field of innovation consciousness. Developed countries focus primarily on technology-driven innovation practices and sustainable development, while developing countries place greater emphasis on enhancing innovation consciousness through educational initiatives. The study also identifies emerging trends in digital education platforms, sustainable innovation, compliance, and the integration of smart cities with social innovation. The study provides a clear understanding of the current state and future directions of innovation consciousness research. It highlights the key disciplinary intersections and the varying priorities between developed and developing countries. Despite the identification of several promising research areas, there is a need for further empirical studies to deepen the understanding and practical application of innovation consciousness. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, businesses, and researchers. They can guide future research agendas, inform educational strategies, and support the development of policies that foster innovation consciousness at global, regional, and local levels.