Financial inclusion and sustainable development: A review and research agenda

Abstract

This bibliometric review explores the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable development. It aims to identify key concepts in this research area and summarize the main findings of previous studies. The study is based on trends in the number of papers, keyword analysis, and an examination of the progression of the research topics over time. It identifies three main clusters of sustainable development—economic, social, and environmental—as well as the top authors, countries, organizations, the most frequently cited papers, reference papers, and journals. The study presents specific trends highlighting the role of financial inclusion in promoting economic growth, reducing income inequality and poverty, and mitigating climate change. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of financial inclusion in sustainable development, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that combine economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It recommends ideas for future research to further explore these relationships, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing inclusive and sustainable development policies.