A scientometric analysis to guide future research on tourism entrepreneurship

Abstract

Based on a scientometric approach, this chapter aims to uncover the current thematic structure of Tourism Entrepreneurship (TE) as a research domain and its main theoretical pillars to guide the future research path on this topic. Scientific research papers published over a period of almost 40 years (1987–2023) in high-impact journals were collected to plot the current morphology of TE research. Strategic Thematic Map and Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy aid us in uncovering the status quo of this research domain. The results of this essay guide the improvement of enterprises in the tourism sector and thus contribute to tourism employment, innovation, and sustainable local economic growth in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study proposes some reflections to guide a future research agenda. Among others, it reinforces the central idea of fostering the interdisciplinarity and hybridisation of the Tourism and Entrepreneurship research area for a better understanding of the topic analysed, as well as a better alignment with the SDGs of this promising research area.