The scientific structure of the field of rural development and social entrepreneurship: A bibliometric analysis based on web of science data

Purpose: This study was conducted to reveal the scientific trends, thematic structures, and intellectual orientations in the literature on rural development and social entrepreneurship. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends by identifying the points of intersection between these two fields.Design/Methodology/Approach: A bibliometric analysis technique was used in the research. Data was obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database and focused on the period between 2006 and 2025. Only research articles published in the fields of Business, Management, and Economics were included in the analysis. A total of 407 articles were examined, and the annual growth rate was calculated as 20.58%.Results: The results show that social entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly strategic role in rural development processes and that publications in the literature are concentrated around the themes of social capital, innovation, women's entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Aleksandras Stulginskis University, South China Agricultural University, and the University of Nigeria stand out among the most productive institutions. Bradford Law findings reveal that publications are concentrated around a small number of core journals. Consequently, the role of social entrepreneurship in rural development is related not only to economic growth but also to social welfare and sustainability dimensions.Originalit/Value: This study is one of the few bibliometric analyses that jointly examine social entrepreneurship and rural development. Based on Web of Science data, it reveals the research networks, thematic trends, and future research opportunities in the field, making a significant contribution to the literature.