Informal Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy: A Bibliometric Analysis

Brunilda Kosta; Rodica  Ianole-Calin

doi:10.55845/joce-2026-41273

Authors

Brunilda Kosta Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, Albania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1941-9349
Rodica Ianole-Calin Faculty of Business and Administration, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8931-1179

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2026-41273

Keywords:

Informal Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy, Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study maps the thematic structure of two intersecting lines of research—informal entrepreneurship and circular economy—highlighting an often ignored and under-researched reality: informality is intrinsically linked to circularity. The bibliometric approach builds on Scopus-indexed publications from the last 25 years (2000-2025). The analysis reveals intense research activity during 2020-2025 and predominantly European research output, with notable contributions from India, China, and Brazil. From a domain perspective, findings show that environmental science journals publish most of this work, while business and entrepreneurship journals lag behind. Finally, the theoretical core of this research niche remains fragmented between institutional debates and practical examples that lack generalizability.

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Informal Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy: A Bibliometric Analysis

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