MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS (SES): INSIGHTS FROM BIBLIOMETRIC AND STATISTIC ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Purpose: The objective of the article is to map the global research landscape on Smart Energy Systems (SES) between 2020 and 2024 by identifying dominant scientific trends, thematic clusters, collaboration networks, and emerging research topics. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs a quantitative design, combining bibliometric analysis and statistical methods. A total of 11,609 publications were retrieved from the Scopus database, focusing on SES-related keywords. Bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer was conducted to analyze keyword co-occurrences, country collaborations, and author networks. Statistical visualization, including bag plots, was used to identify outliers and trends in keyword usage, highlighting both prevalent and emergent areas of research. Findings: The analysis revealed six major clusters of SES research, including smart power grids, renewable energy integration, energy management systems, optimization techniques, and emerging digital technologies like IoT and blockchain. Dominant keywords included "smart power grids" (3572 occurrences), "electric power transmission networks" (2856), and "renewable energy resources" (1629). Outlier analysis indicated that future directions in SES research are closely linked to blockchain, machine learning, and green hydrogen. Research limitations/implications: The study offers actionable insights for policy-makers, business leaders, and industrial stakeholders. Policymakers should prioritize regulatory frameworks promoting digitalization and interoperability of energy systems. Industry actors are encouraged to invest in IoT-enabled energy infrastructure, AI-powered decision-making tools, and peer-to-peer energy platforms. SES development is also strategically relevant for national climate goals, economic modernization, and industrial decarbonization. Originality/value This paper is the first to offer a cross-sectional, global bibliometric and statistical mapping of Smart Energy Systems research in the post-COVID-19 era (2020-2024). It goes beyond traditional bibliometric studies by integrating quantitative visual analytics (bag plots) to reveal latent structures and trends. The article also introduces a typology of emergent research areas and provides practical guidance for aligning SES innovation with environmental and industrial policies.