Bibliometric analysis of service innovation research: Identifying knowledge domain and global network of knowledge

The concept of service innovation is significant for innovation strategy and economic growth. However, since the term “service innovation” represents a broad sense, there does not exist common understanding about what is service innovation even among experts. We developed a methodology to determine the structure and geographical distribution of knowledge, as well as to reveal the structure of research collaboration in such an interdisciplinary area as service innovation by performing journal information analysis, citation network analysis and visualization. Our results show that there are mainly two groups relating to service innovation. Knowledge in these areas has been growing rapidly in recent years. In particular, the fields of ecosystem and IT & Web are exhibiting high growth. We also demonstrated that the global network of knowledge is formed around the powerful hub of the US. The research competency of Asian countries lags behind that of the US and EU. With respect to research collaboration, we identify room for enhancing international collaboration. Our methodology could be useful in forming policies to promote service innovation. Finally, we propose the creation of an international collaboration fund.

► Ecosystem and IT & Web are emerging research domains.
► Both application and basic theory appear in this interdisciplinary field.
► US is the hub of global collaboration.
► Academic landscape can detect emerging fields.
► Collaboration diagram can identify room for international collaboration.