New trends and directions in local government finance research: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Local government finance has a critical impact on regional sustainability and governance. This study seeks to conduct comprehensive analyses of evolving trends and future directions in municipal finance research. It aims to address the insufficient longitudinal studies and fragmented understanding of how municipal finance practices and policies evolve by providing systematic evidence on dynamic trends and potential future trajectories. The study employed bibliometric analysis using Scopus and Google Scholar databases and Publish or Perish (PoP) software to analyze literature dynamics and associated topics and research trends and improve understanding of local government financial research. The results show a strong focus on local governance. Key themes included transparency, accountability, and financial sustainability, highlighting the critical need for good governance and fiscal prudence. The promising directions are technology (e-government) and comprehensive actions on the economic side through public-private partnerships and financial sustainability. Critical themes are fiscal stress, budgeting, and local government finance. However, new trends in sustainability, public-private partnerships, financial resilience, municipal bonds, and land finance are emerging as significant research areas. It highlights the field’s adaptability to evolving social and economic conditions. Through a thorough synthesis of these insights, stakeholders are better positioned to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape of local government finance studies and their broader implications within a constantly changing global environment. AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Hasanuddin University, for their invaluable support and assistance in this research. Their unwavering commitment to advancing academic research and community service has been the key to completing this study.