Unveiling the research trajectory and key barriers in seaweed commercialization using bibliometric and fuzzy ISM-MICMAC methods (2000-2025)

Introduction Seaweed research has witnessed substantial traction in recent years, stimulating interest among researchers, academic bodies, industry players, policymakers, and philanthropic bodies to explore its potential applications for commercialization. Despite the growing body of literature, there is a paucity in investigating the quantitative trend in scientific research trajectory of commercialization of seaweeds and understanding the interconnectivity among the barriers hindering the large-scale commercialization of seaweed. Methods For addressing this gap, the current study has conducted a dual approach, integrating comprehensive bibliometric analysis (2000-2025) with Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) MICMAC methodology, using VOSViewer, Biblioshiny and RStudio to examine the global seaweed commercialization research. 331 documents were extracted from Scopus (n=230) and Web of Science (n=101) database which summed up to be 258 documents after removing 73 duplicates. Results The results reveal a sharp increase in research output in 2025 (n=67) projecting greater scholarly interest in commercialization of seaweed, as a pathway to enhancing marine sustainability outcomes. Further, after identifying conceptual patterns and thematic trends related to seaweed commercialization and blue tourism governance under bibliometric analysis, the Fuzzy ISM-MICMAC analysis was conducted through a combination of 23 academic and industry expert interviews and extensive literature review. Consequently, 7 validated key barriers were identified that are restricting the commercialization of seaweed and water hyacinth across food, biofuel, pharmaceutical, and fertilizer sectors. These key barriers are further segregated into four-levels and four-quadrants based on their dependence and driving power. Discussion The novelty of the study lies in it being the first to apply both bibliometric and Fuzzy ISM-MICAMAC analysis on seaweed commercialization, suggesting a potential sequential policy framework to address the barriers hindering commercialization and emphasizing the need for sustained knowledge exchange in this promising domain.