Bibliometric Analysis of Digital Twins (DTS) Application for Improving Sustainable Logistics in Supply Chains

Abstract

In recent years, research into Digital Twins (DTs) for enhancing supply chains through sustainable logistics has shown remarkable growth and diversification. Starting with a single publication in 2018, interest surged in subsequent years, reaching a substantial peak of 90 publications in 2023. Despite a slight decline in 2024, the overall trend highlights sustained interest and investment in exploring DT applications for optimizing supply chains and promoting sustainability. Leading authors in the field, such as George Guoquan Huang, Hao Yu, and Dmitry Aleksandrovich Ivanov, represent a diverse global landscape, indicating widespread engagement in this interdisciplinary field. Moreover, an analysis of publication distribution across countries identifies China as a prominent contributor, followed closely by the United States, France, and Italy. The citation impact and influence of journals such as the “Journal of Cleaner Production” and “Technological Forecasting and Social Change” underscore their pivotal role in advancing knowledge in this domain. Additionally, co-authorship and citation analyses underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among researchers, highlighting the significance of teamwork in scholarly innovation. Keyword analysis reveals prevalent research themes such as “digital twin,” “Internet,” and “artificial intelligence,” providing valuable insights into key areas of focus within the field. Overall, this bibliometric study offers comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of DT research, providing valuable perspectives for academics, practitioners, and policymakers interested in leveraging DTs for sustainable supply chain management.