Water Management Research at a Crossroads of Disciplines: A 68-Year Scientometric Analysis of Thematic Integration and Policy Relevance

This study presents a comprehensive scientometric evaluation and qualitative synthesis of global water management research published between 1955 and 2023. Analyzing 10,469 documents indexed in the Scopus database, the research extends beyond previous studies by concurrently examining technological, governance, and policy dimensions. The findings elucidate how scholarly output has evolved in response to emerging global water challenges and policy frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results show that publication numbers have increased dramatically since 2013, while Environmental Sciences and Engineering lead the field. The United States and China stand out as leading nations in collaboration network analysis. This also points to particular core authors who serve as essential knowledge bridges. The development of keywords shows that research now focuses on advanced treatment technologies such as AOPs and adsorption, yet researchers still need to study water governance systems as a whole. The research results provide essential information for academics and decision-makers to allocate research funding effectively and to build international partnerships that support global water governance strategies.