Bibliometric Mapping of Fintech Research Trends in Village Development: Analysis of Themes, Intellectual Structure, and Publication Evolution 2015-2024

Abstract

The advancement of financial technology (fintech) in the context of rural development has attracted growing academic attention, in line with financial inclusion and sustainable development agendas. However, research that systematically maps the research landscape, main themes, and the dynamic evolution of topics related to fintech and rural development remains limited. This study aims to analyze publication patterns, intellectual structure, and thematic trends in fintech research within rural development from 2015 to 2024. The methodology used is bibliometric analysis with a co-occurrence keyword approach and network visualization using VOSviewer software. Data was collected through Publish or Perish version 8 from the Google Scholar database using the keywords “financial technology” and “village development”, resulting in 985 articles. Findings indicate that the main research themes focus on financial inclusion, digital technology, financial support, and sustainability, with strong connections to the agricultural sector and rural development. Overlay visualization analysis shows a shift in research focus toward advanced technologies such as blockchain and its integration with village financial services after 2020. The implications of this research provide a conceptual basis for researchers and policymakers to understand research gaps and design fintech interventions that are more adaptive to rural needs. Its significance lies in the contribution of comprehensive scientific mapping in bridging the discourse between financial technology and rural development. The limitations of this study include reliance on a single database and specific keyword restrictions. The novelty of this study lies in the simultaneous integration of thematic and temporal bibliometric analysis, while its originality is reflected in empirical mapping that has rarely been conducted in the global context of fintech and rural development.