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Economic tokenization: a bibliometric analysis of intellectual and conceptual foundations

Author

Listed:
  • Adel BOGARI

    (Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the emerging academic field of economic tokenization. Using a dataset of 264 documents from Scopus and Web of Science, we employ performance analysis and science mapping to delineate the intellectual, conceptual, and social structures of this domain. The findings reveal a field in a nascent, pre-paradigmatic stage, characterized by exponential growth in publications since 2021 but a fragmented intellectual and social structure. Performance analysis identifies the most influential works, authors, and journals, showing that while specialized outlets drive publication volume, the most impactful research appears in top-tier finance journals. The internal citation network is sparse, indicating a lack of cohesive academic conversation. Science mapping reveals the field's intellectual foundations are built on three pillars: the foundational technology of blockchain protocols, the economic precedent of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), and the formal economic theory of "tokenomics." Co-occurrence analysis maps the conceptual landscape, which is structured around a technological core (blockchain, smart contracts) that branches into key themes such as entrepreneurial finance, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and sustainability. Temporal analysis demonstrates a clear research trajectory from foundational concepts toward newer frontiers like DeFi, DAOs, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Finally, co-authorship analysis confirms the field's social fragmentation, with research being conducted by small, disconnected teams.

Suggested Citation

  • Adel BOGARI, 2026. "Economic tokenization: a bibliometric analysis of intellectual and conceptual foundations," Access Journal, Access Press Publishing House, vol. 7(2), pages 244-276, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aip:access:v:7:y:2026:i:2:p:244-276
    DOI: 10.46656/access.2026.7.2(1)
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fahad Saleh & Wei Jiang, 2021. "Blockchain without Waste: Proof-of-Stake [Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake]," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 34(3), pages 1156-1190.
    2. Wankmüller, Christian & Pulsfort, Johannes & Kunovjanek, Maximilian & Polt, Romana & Craß, Stefan & Reiner, Gerald, 2023. "Blockchain-based tokenization and its impact on plastic bottle supply chains," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    3. Thomas Lambert & Daniel Liebau & Peter Roosenboom, 2022. "Security token offerings," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 59(1), pages 299-325, June.
    4. Fabian Schär, 2021. "Decentralized Finance: On Blockchain- and Smart Contract-Based Financial Markets," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 103(2), pages 153-174, April.
    5. Francesca Carapella & Grace Chuan & Jacob Gerszten & Nathan Swem, 2023. "Tokenization: Overview and Financial Stability Implications," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2023-060, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    6. Ahmed Hassanein & Kameleddine B. Benameur & Mohamed M. Mostafa & Wasim Al-Shattarat & Nourhan Hesham Magar, 2025. "Mapping the scientific research of blockchain technology in accounting and auditing: bibliometric analyses and a roadmap for future research," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 2513638-251, December.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Systems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access

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