Trends and patterns in university social responsibility research: a 20-year bibliometric analysis using VosViewer and biblioshiny

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present the landscape of University Social Responsibility (USR) research and its alignment with global sustainability objectives, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis over the past two decades was conducted. Design/methodology/approach Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 520 documents were retrieved from the Scopus database using specific keywords. Bibliometric tools, including Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, facilitated performance analysis and scientific mapping, focusing on publication trends, leading authors, institutions, journals and thematic evolution. Findings The findings reveal a significant increase in USR publications post-2015, aligning with the adoption of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. A shift from environmental sustainability to an integrated approach encompassing stakeholder engagement, innovation and socioeconomic development is observed. Key contributors and themes demonstrate the interconnectedness of sustainability, education, governance and impact assessment in USR research. Research limitations/implications The exclusive use of the Scopus database may exclude relevant literature from other databases. Future research should incorporate multiple databases and multilingual approaches for a more diverse perspective. Practical implications The insights can guide universities in integrating sustainability into strategies, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, innovation and evidence-based assessment to demonstrate societal benefits. Social implications Understanding USR’s evolution and impact contributes to promoting sustainable development and social responsibility in higher education globally. Originality/value This bibliometric analysis provides nuanced insights into USR research progression, highlighting emerging trends and gaps. By employing targeted keywords and comprehensive bibliometric methods, it offers valuable guidance for researchers, university administrators and policymakers.