Mapping the Nexus of Shadow Economy, Technology, and Institutional Quality: A Bibliometric Analysis

This bibliometric analysis maps the thematic structure of the scientific literature at the intersection of the shadow economy, technology, and institutional quality. Using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny on Web of Science(WoS) data, 383 articles were analysed. The results reveal a significant increase in scientific interest, particularly after 2011, peaking in 2024. Dominant themes include corruption, institutional quality, governance, and economic growth, while emerging terms such as digitalization, machine learning, and CO2 emissions signal a reorientation towards sustainability and technology. Factor analysis identified four conceptual clusters, suggesting that while bilateral analyses remain prevalent, a more integrated framework is beginning to emerge. China leads in publications and international collaborations, while Central and South-Eastern Europe and other emerging economies remain underrepresented. By providing a pioneering mapping of this triple nexus, the study identifies four conceptual clusters, exposes integration gaps, and charts priority directions for future research on the shadow economy.