Abstract
Abstract Despite rapidly expanding literature on socio-economic reforms and sustainable transitions, the field remains fragmented, with unclear thematic boundaries and limited synthesis on how developing-country priorities differ from those of advanced economies. This study aims to map the intellectual and geographic landscape of socio-economic transitions and reforms for sustainable development, and to identify thematic hotspots and collaboration patterns. Using Scopus-indexed articles published between 1973 and September 2025 (N = 8,643), we conduct bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping. We apply co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and collaboration network analysis using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Key indicators include publication growth, journal and source dynamics, citation patterns over time, author productivity and impact, affiliation productivity and impact, country productivity and impact, h-index, average citations per article, co-authorship structures, and international collaboration intensity. Results show a strong upward trajectory, with publication output accelerating markedly after 2019. Science mapping reveals four dominant thematic clusters: (i) climate and green-energy transition, (ii) human development in developing countries, (iii) digital and knowledge-driven transformation, and (iv) globalization and economic restructuring. Geographically, China leads in publication volume, while the United States and the United Kingdom show strong impact and network centrality, emerging economies such as India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia are increasingly visible. Hotspot contrasts indicate that developing countries emphasize affordability, institutional capacity, human capital, and employment creation, whereas advanced economies prioritize standardized frameworks and governance models. These findings inform future research agendas and support policies that strengthen OECD–non-OECD collaboration, institutional capabilities, digital skills, and green finance.