Digital technologies in the circular economy: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose This study maps the scholarly landscape of digital technologies (DT) in the circular economy (CE) using bibliometric methods to identify key trends, contributors and thematic developments. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of 722 Scopus-indexed publications (2016–early 2025) was conducted, using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix for citation, co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses. Findings The analyzed literature shows rapid growth post-2020, with key contributions from Europe. Influential journals include Sustainability, Journal of Cleaner Production, Procedia CIRP and Resources, Conservation and Recycling. Core themes evolved from foundational concepts toward Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, AI and Blockchain) and policy-related topics like digital product passports (DPPs), suggesting growing interest in data-driven circularity. Research limitations/implications The dataset is limited to Scopus and English-language sources, which may affect comprehensiveness. Future research should explore empirical applications, integration strategies and sector-specific digital solutions. Practical implications The findings inform industry and policy actors on emerging digital enablers that support resource efficiency, transparency and sustainable innovation in circular transitions. Originality/value This paper offers an up-to-date, data-driven overview of the DT–CE research domain, extending prior qualitative reviews by mapping its structure and evolution over time.