Ecological Sustainability and Regional Green Economy Development: Knowledge Mapping and Research Frontiers
Received: 2026-05-28
Published: 2026-06-06
Abstract
Ecological sustainability and regional green economy development have become imperative in addressing global environmental challenges, yet the intellectual structure and research frontiers at their intersection remain insufficiently mapped. This study employs CiteSpace to conduct a comprehensive knowledge mapping of 306 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000-2026), integrating co-occurrence analysis, cluster detection, timeline visualization and burst detection to reveal the field's evolutionary trajectory and emerging frontiers. The results identify six core thematic clusters: fiscal decentralization, energy consumption, green growth, sustainability, regional development, and lake rejuvenation, interconnected through bridging concepts, forming a multidimensional yet coherent research landscape. The analysis reveals a paradigm shift from institutional and governance perspectives toward techno-ecological integration, with "digital green economy" and "just transition" emerging as high-burst frontiers. The study provides a systematic roadmap for future research and offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers seeking to align ecological sustainability with regional green economy strategies.
Keywords
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