Navigating the Gig Economy Research Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The gig economy has emerged as a dynamic and transformative component of the contemporary labour market, challenging traditional employer–employee relationships and reshaping the structure and nature of work. Enabled by rapid technological advancement and changing employment patterns, it encompasses diverse forms of short-term contracts, freelance assignments, independent work, and labour transactions mediated through digital platforms. The growing significance of the gig economy has been accompanied by a substantial rise in scholarly research and academic publications. In this context, the present study systematically examines the existing scientific literature on the gig economy to trace the evolution and development of the research domain. It aims to identify the leading authors, countries, journals, and institutional affiliations contributing to the field, while also examining patterns of collaboration and influential scholarly publications. Relevant publications were retrieved from the Scopus database using a structured keyword-based search strategy. Following the application of appropriate selection criteria, 710 publications were included in the bibliometric analysis. The findings reveal a marked expansion of scholarly interest in the gig economy, particularly during the recent years, demonstrating its growing academic relevance across multiple disciplines. By mapping publication trends, influential contributors, research structures, and emerging developments, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research landscape and identifies potential directions for future research in the evolving field of the gig economy.