Mapping the Intellectual Capital of the Defence Industry

The defence industry plays a crucial role in ensuring national security and driving technological and economic development. This article systematically examines its intellectual capital through a structured literature review and bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol and Bibliometrix software, the study identifies leading authors, institutions, countries, and thematic clusters shaping the field. Results reveal a growing but fragmented research landscape, centred on defence policy, innovation, strategic management, and applied defence economics. By mapping the intellectual structure and trends of this domain, the paper contributes to defining its theoretical foundations and guiding future research on industrial collaboration and strategic development in defence sectors.