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Mapping The Nexus Of Shadow Economy, Technology, And Institutional Quality: A Bibliometric Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Lavinia MASTAC

    (Doctoral School of Economics and International Business, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania)

  • Liliana NICODIM

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania)

  • Oana Roxana RADU

    (Doctoral School of Business Administration, Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania)

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis maps the thematic structure of the scientific literature at the intersection of the shadow economy, technology, and institutional quality. Using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny on Web of Science(WoS) data, 383 articles were analysed. The results reveal a significant increase in scientific interest, particularly after 2011, peaking in 2024. Dominant themes include corruption, institutional quality, governance, and economic growth, while emerging terms such as digitalization, machine learning, and CO2 emissions signal a reorientation towards sustainability and technology. Factor analysis identified four conceptual clusters, suggesting that while bilateral analyses remain prevalent, a more integrated framework is beginning to emerge. China leads in publications and international collaborations, while Central and South-Eastern Europe and other emerging economies remain underrepresented. By providing a pioneering mapping of this triple nexus, the study identifies four conceptual clusters, exposes integration gaps, and charts priority directions for future research on the shadow economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Lavinia MASTAC & Liliana NICODIM & Oana Roxana RADU, 2026. "Mapping The Nexus Of Shadow Economy, Technology, And Institutional Quality: A Bibliometric Analysis," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 21(1), pages 332-359, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:blg:journl:v:21:y:2026:i:1:p:332-359
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    File URL: http://magazines.ulbsibiu.ro/eccsf/RePEc/blg/journl/21115mastac.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Răzvan Hoinaru & Daniel Buda & Sorin Nicolae Borlea & Viorela Ligia Văidean & Monica Violeta Achim, 2020. "The Impact of Corruption and Shadow Economy on the Economic and Sustainable Development. Do They “Sand the Wheels” or “Grease the Wheels”?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-27, January.
    2. Simplice A. Asongu, 2018. "Conditional Determinants of Mobile Phones Penetration and Mobile Banking in Sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 9(1), pages 81-135, March.
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