Mapping impact investing: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Impact investing, as the furthest form of sustainable finance, has gained in research attention. However, there is no complete bibliometric review on this topic. We map the academic contributions to impact investing, highlighting the most influential research streams and trends by conducting a bibliometric review based on a keyword search analysis of the Elsevier Scopus database. The final sample consists of 115 academic papers published in ABS 3+ journals between 2009 and October 2021. We identify the most influential articles in the field; map the different streams of impact investing research; visualise focus areas and trends; and pinpoint areas for further research. These findings will help academics focus their research on under-investigated areas within this heterogeneous niche.