THE ROLE OF GREEN FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

The convergence of financial development objectives, green finance, and financial inclusion has attracted significant attention in the academic world amid challenging concerns about sustainable growth, economic inequalities, and climate change. This paper aims to thoroughly examine the current research in these interlinked fields by utilising advanced bibliometric tools to compile and review a large body of literature. By employing visualisation software such as "VOS-Viewer" and the "Biblioshiny" R package, this study examines literature from the Scopus database spanning 2009 to 2023. This study used the PRISMA statement to conduct a systematic, bibliometric analysis to reveal and understand knowledge structures, pinpoint research gaps, and identify emerging topics in sustainable growth, green finance, and financial inclusion. The results demonstrate an increasing amount of scholarly work acknowledging the potential of financial inclusion and green finance to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. This study explores citation links between significant articles to provide valuable insights that guide researchers toward unexplored areas. Emphasising environmentally and socially responsible banking practices, the paper anticipates future trends, particularly in the context of China's financial influence, and underscores the importance of integrated approaches for harmonising economic development with environmental responsibility. Overall, the study aims to serve as a navigational tool for scholars, helping them understand the current research landscape and fostering further advancements across these interrelated areas.