An overview of logistics network through bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer

Logistics networks are essential frameworks that facilitate the efficient movement and management of goods within supply chains, particularly in the context of globalization and technological advancements. The objectives include: (i) conducting a large-scale bibliometric analysis of logistics network literature from 1980 to 2024, (ii) identifying leading authors, institutions, and countries, (iii) mapping thematic clusters and keyword co-occurrences, and (iv) clarifying research gaps to guide future studies. Using 3,686 Scopus-indexed documents, performance analysis and science mapping techniques (VOSviewer, MS Excel) were applied to analyze publication growth, citation metrics, co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword networks. Key findings show exponential growth in publications since 2004, with “China”, “the United States”, and “Germany” leading in both output and collaboration strength; “logistics” and “logistics network” are the most frequent keywords but have lower average citations compared to emerging terms such as “sustainability” and “circular economy”; and high-impact thematic clusters are shifting towards sustainable and technology-driven logistics. The novelty of this study lies in providing the first comprehensive, quantitative mapping of logistics network research, integrating structural collaboration patterns with thematic evolution to uncover actionable insights for advancing both theory and practice.