A Bibliometric Analysis of Creative Cities: Research Hotspots, Trends, and Outlooks

Creative Cities (CCs) have emerged as a prominent topic of global interest, representing a novel approach to urban development that fosters sustainability. This study employed the CiteSpace bibliometric tool to conduct a knowledge mapping analysis of CC research, utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) core collection as the data source spanning from 2004 to 20 April 2023. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of CCs, supported by both theoretical foundations and empirical data. Furthermore, it identifies research hotspots, core themes, and future trends within the field. A total of 2270 articles were retrieved for this study, revealing an upward trajectory in the number of articles associated with specific keywords. The research encompasses various disciplines, including geography, economics, urban studies, sociology, and art. The key focal points of CC investigations encompass sustainable development, cultural heritage, and information technology. The advancement of CCs has primarily focused on three core areas: theoretical research, policy strategies, and developmental challenges. This study underscores the importance of addressing issues such as gentrification, embracing information technology, and bridging the gap between theory and practice in CC development. The literature suggests that there is a dearth of comprehensive frameworks, spanning from theory to practice, which could serve as guiding principles and evaluation tools for the establishment and progress of CCs. This observation carries significant theoretical implications, while also offering a springboard for further exploration of the research hotspots by other scholars in the field.