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The Impact of Technological Change and Automation on Income Distribution and Labor Income Share: A Bibliometric Analysis (1975–2024)

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  • Vallerie Peter

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)

  • Assis Kamu

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)

  • Ho Chong Mun

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)

  • Lim Fui Yee Beatrice

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)

Abstract

Recently, topics regarding the link between technological advancement, automation, income distribution and labor income share have been receiving much attention. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this field has yet to be conducted. Hence, this paper aims to fill that gap by examining the development and trends in research focusing on automation, technological change, and their impact on income distribution and labor income share. Bibliometric data sourced from the Scopus database were used, covering articles published between 1975 and 2024 based on several predefined criteria. The analysis was performed using Biblioshiny, incorporating a total of 509 articles. A significant increase in annual publications was observed from 2010 to 2024. The United States and China were the dominant countries in this field, accounting for 14.15% (72 articles) and 10.61% (54 articles) of the publications, respectively. Besides that, University of California and Daron Acemoglu were identified as the most influential institution and author, respectively. Technological Forecasting and Social Change journal stands out as the most prolific source with 19 publications in this field, while the Journal of Development Economics has garnered the most citations. Key terms such as “technological change†and “income inequality†were frequently used by authors, with thematic trends indicating a growing focus on “automation†and “artificial intelligence†. These findings reflect an increasing academic and policy-driven interest in understanding how technological disruption reshapes labor markets. Overall, this study provides an overview of the most influential publications, authors, countries, and topics in the field, shedding light on the evolving research landscape surrounding the intersection of technological change and labor market dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Vallerie Peter & Assis Kamu & Ho Chong Mun & Lim Fui Yee Beatrice, 2025. "The Impact of Technological Change and Automation on Income Distribution and Labor Income Share: A Bibliometric Analysis (1975–2024)," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(6), pages 4937-4954, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-6:p:4937-4954
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    References listed on IDEAS

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