A bibliometric analysis of digital financial literacy

Abstract

Purpose

There has been a great deal of exploratory, conceptual and empirical research on digital financial literacy (DFL) in the fields of finance, economics, business and management. But up until now, there has not been any attempt to provide a thorough scientific mapping of the area. Therefore, by combining various knowledge systems, this study seeks to identify the current research trend.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 158 papers was subjected to bibliometric analysis in the areas of DFL or digital finance. Assembling, organising and evaluating are the three phases that make up the bibliometric analysis process derived from the most dependable and genuine sources, the Scopus database, and the Web of Science (WoS) database. This study was done using a scientific search technique on the Scopus and WoS databases for the years 2015 through 2022. The study made use of Biblioshiny, a web-based tool created in R-studio and part of the Bibliometrix package. Prominent journals, authors, nations, articles and themes were identified with the use of the software's automated workflow. “Citation, co-citation, and social network analysis” were also carried out.

Findings

The study' outcomes indicate that, as an interdisciplinary discipline, the themes of digital finance have changed throughout time. Researchers first concentrated on socioeconomic and demographic variables, but over time the subject expanded to include themes like influencing, promoting, and behavioural factors that affect digital financial literacy (DFL). This research shows the conceptual framework of the area in addition to its intellectual and social structure. This study offers crucial insights into subjects that demand more research.

Research limitations/implications

Since the current study is a bibliometric analysis, the usual restrictions on such studies apply. A meta-analysis, a thorough literature review and other methods would be beneficial for future researchers to develop a solid conceptual framework. This current research work's science mapping is restricted to the Scopus and WoS databases because this research includes more high-quality articles and has organised formats that work with the Bibliometrix application.

Practical implications

Present research provides critical insights into saving behaviour, retirement planning, digital finance and the interdependence of these. This research highlights the most prevalent problems in the field and points in the direction of potential areas for further study. Exposing the social and intellectual structure of the domain educates upcoming scholars about the themes, contexts and opportunities for collaboration in this field.

Social implications

The study will be useful for future learning as the study gives broad exposure to the current literature in the field of digital finance. On the other hand, people will also grow aware of the effects of digital finance and make the proper choices as a result. Additionally, the report might offer crucial insights for developing policies on digital finance and literacy.

Originality/value

In the past, a significant number of conceptual and empirical studies were conducted internationally in the research fields of economics, finance, business, management and consumer behaviour. This research makes a significant addition by bringing together disparate literature in the field, highlighting reliable sources, authors and documents, and examining the relationship between digital finance, saving behaviour and retirement planning.

Citation

Yadav, M. and Banerji, P. (2023), "A bibliometric analysis of digital financial literacy", American Journal of Business, Vol. 38 No. 3, pp. 91-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJB-11-2022-0186