Two Decades of Research on Fiscal Decentralization and Territorial Development: A Bibliometric analysis and Content analysis

Abstract

Fiscal decentralization has gained prominence as a structural reform strategy worldwide, fostering local governance and territorial development. Despite its theoretical promise, anchored in fiscal federalism and allocative efficiency, the empirical evidence remains fragmented and context dependent. The growing volume of literature, coupled with methodological heterogeneity, calls for a systematic synthesis of the field.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of the scholarly production on fiscal decentralization and territorial development from 2000 to 2025, identifying key trends, influential actors, thematic clusters, and emerging research fronts.

Using the Scopus database, relevant publications were extracted based on a refined search strategy. Bibliometric techniques, including co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses, were applied using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix in R.

A total of 567 publications were included in the final analysis. The results reveal a steady increase in academic output, with notable regional disparities in publication volume and citation impact. Leading authors and institutions are predominantly based in OECD countries, although contributions from the Global South are steadily increasing. Thematic clustering identifies four major research streams: intergovernmental fiscal relations, governance and public service delivery, spatial equity and development, and institutional preconditions for decentralization. Recent research fronts emphasize resilience, sustainability, and fiscal federalism in crisis contexts.

This bibliometric review uncovers both the intellectual structure and the temporal evolution of the field. It highlights conceptual fragmentation and geographic asymmetries, calling for deeper interdisciplinary integration and greater attention to underrepresented regions. The findings offer a new evidence base to guide future scholarly inquiry and policy development.

JEL Classification: H55, J16, J40, F43, O41.

Paper type: Theoretical Research