Mapping the Nexus: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Polycrisis Research (2019 – 2026)

This study maps the intellectual landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in polycrisis research between 2019 and 2026 using bibliometric techniques. Although the concept of polycrisis has gained traction in both academic and policy discourse, the research domain remains fragmented, with limited systematic analysis of how AI contributes to addressing interconnected global challenges. Guided by PRISMA 2020, the study employs a bibliometric approach using Biblioshiny in RStudio to analyse data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on English-language publications from 2019 to April 2026. The findings reveal a significant upward trend in publications, particularly following major global crises, indicating growing scholarly interest in leveraging AI to address complex systemic risks. However, the research landscape is characterised by fragmentation, with dispersed publication outlets, uneven collaboration networks, and weak thematic integration. The study highlights the need for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of responsible AI frameworks, and enhanced global research partnerships. It contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive bibliometric mapping that identifies structural fragmentation, emerging research themes, and evolving scholarly dynamics in the application of AI within polycrisis research.