Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on higher education leadership development using Scopus database from 2013–2023

Abstract

Abstract In this bibliometric study, we used the Scopus database to analyse 2188 articles on leadership development in higher education published between 2013 and 2023. We examined publication output and research interest, preferred journals, leading countries, regions, authors, articles and institutions, subject areas and author keywords. Visualisation tools such as VOSviewer were used to gain a comprehensive understanding of patterns and trends in the literature. Recent studies have underscored the importance of leadership development in higher education, particularly in the context of evolving global educational standards (Day et al., (Day et al. in Leadersh Q 25:63–82, 2014); Žalėnienė & Pereira, (Žalėnienė and Pereira in Geography Sustain 2:99–106, 2021)). The results show a fluctuating increase in literature production since 2013, with a significant increase in production after 2020. This surge is attributed to the recognition that leadership is a key competency in shaping the future, especially in the face of the complexity and uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also shows that the United States is the most productive country, accounting for more than 50 percent of the total output of the 15 most productive countries. Notably, nine of the 15 most productive universities in these major countries are located in the United States. This highlights the important role that the United States plays in leading the global focus on leadership development in higher education. This study has important implications not only for academics, but also for policy makers, educators and leaders. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, our aim is to contribute to the scholarly discourse on leadership development and higher education, and to encourage deeper discussion and continued innovation in these areas. Examining the development of leadership in higher education over the past decade provides valuable insights that inform research across various social domains. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the development of the field of leadership research in higher education over the past decade, highlighting key aspects of the field, contributors, research priorities and emerging trends. Our study contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing understanding of leadership development in higher education (SDG 4: Quality Education) and fostering international collaboration (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals) (in Transforming our world: the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, United Nations General Assembly, New York, 2015).