Trends and Challenges in Regional Life Cycle Management: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Life cycle management has become increasingly important in the formulation of regional sustainable development policies and programs, while research on and the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies are predominantly conducted in a business context or for materials and product-related issues. In light of the growing importance of regional policymaking, this article discusses the current scientific landscape of regional life cycle management approaches. It conducts a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database and integrates a co-word analysis to highlight important linkages. Our analysis reveals that an increasing number of papers have been published on regional-level LCAs in recent years; however, they remain focused on issues related to the traditional materials-oriented aspects. Conversely, little research appears to be conducted on regional life cycle management issues and activities. The research is strongly centralized, with a clustering of regional LCA studies within a relatively small group of countries, institutes, journals and authors. Despite a rapid increase in recently published papers, our analysis reveals a gap in research and knowledge transfer of regional LCA results to public policymakers and regional planners.

Life Cycle Assessment Research Trends and Implications: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…In light of the considerable growth in LCA-related publications as presented in Figure 2, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted by a number of authors [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] to identify primary and emerging themes and to map LCA research trends and related contexts, including the characteristics of LCA publications, subject areas, co-authorship, collaboration, co-citations, journals, affiliations, keywords co-occurrence, and research focus. .…”

Social Life Cycle Assessment – A Bibliometric Review

“…For example, in the sustainable materials sector, Moghayedi, Le Jeune, Massyn, and Byron (2022) report research on sustainable building materials and propose a conceptual framework for developing sustainable building materials. Bezama, Mittelstädt, Thrän, and Balkau (2021) report a bibliometric analysis of trends and challenges in LCA management, using the Scopus database and integrating a co-word analysis to highlight essential links. The results indicate that an increasing number of articles on LCA have been published in recent years; however, the focus continues to be on materials-oriented issues.…”