Pensions and retirement systems research: a retrospective assessment from 1910 to 2022 using bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis of research on pensions and retirement systems over the past 100 years. The study examines the intellectual structure and mapping in the field of pension and retirement; uncovers growth and publication patterns; identifies thematic areas in the pension domain; provides analysis of gaps; and recommends direction for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sourced data from the Scopus database between 1910 and 2022 covering a 112-year period. Employing bibliometric techniques, a total of 6,661 papers were selected and analyzed using SPSS and VOSviewer software.

Findings

Results from the cluster analysis suggest research in this domain has focused on five thematic areas namely pension plans, retirement systems, pension schemes, demographic, and socio-economic determinants of pension and retirement decisions. The authors show from the overlay visualization output how these themes have evolved within the period under review. The study further presents major developments, conclusions and suggestions for future research directions based on insights obtained from the research themes to enrich the field of pension and retirement planning.

Research limitations/implications

The study is useful for informing researchers and practitioners on the state of the pension domain, and findings are useful avenues in developing the research field.

Originality/value

The study adds to existing literature on pension and retirement by offering an analysis of the state of pension research over a century and highlighting areas for future research.

Citation

Owusu, G.M.Y., Onumah, R.M. and Essel-Donkor, A.E. (2024), "Pensions and retirement systems research: a retrospective assessment from 1910 to 2022 using bibliometric analysis", Journal of Economic Studies, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 437-454. https://doi.org/10.1108/JES-04-2023-0212