What do we know about wicked problems after nearly 52 years: A bibliometric analysis

What do we know about wicked problems after nearly 52 years: A bibliometric analysis | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article What do we know about wicked problems after nearly 52 years: A bibliometric analysis Hassan Danaeefard, Mehdi khosravi This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6029432/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Wicked problems have become a crucial area of study across various fields. This research offers an extensive bibliometric analysis of the literature surrounding wicked problems, aiming to clarify the intellectual framework and development of this research domain. By using the bibliometrix package in R software and VOSviewer, the study explores factors such as annual publication trends, author influence, source importance, and the historical progression of the field through citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and thematic mapping. The findings reveal an increasing acknowledgment of wicked problems in areas like public policy, environmental science, and governance, especially since the mid-2010s. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies key themes, such as governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability. Thematic clusters indicate a continuous focus on collaborative governance, public policy, sustainable development, and climate change, highlighting the immediate relevance of current global challenges. Emerging topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, green energy, and collaborative innovation, suggest a developing comprehension of the intricacies and urgency surrounding wicked problems. Furthermore, emerging concepts like super wicked problems, clumsy solutions, and joined-up government point to new paths for scholarly investigation, reflecting an adaptive response to modern global issues. Overall, the insights drawn from this bibliometric analysis provide a solid foundation for future research, offering valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners in formulating more holistic and effective approaches to address these urgent challenges. Wicked Problem Public Policy Policy Problems Policy Design Interdisciplinary Research R Software Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Introduction Wicked problems, which are complex, resistant to resolution, and unpredictable, seem to be increasing (Alford & Head, 2017 ; Pesch & Vermaas, 2020 ). These problems, marked by their intricate nature, interdependencies, and difficulty in being solved, have become a focal point of research across various disciplines (B. W. Head, 2019 ; McConnell, 2017 ). Initially introduced by Rittel and Webber (1973) in urban planning, they argued that most easy problems had been resolved by governments, leaving a range of challenging and wicked problems (Denford et al., 2024 ; Peters & Tarpey, 2019 ). As a result, these issues defy straightforward solutions due to their dynamic and multi-dimensional characteristics, interconnections with other problems, and the involvement of diverse stakeholder perspectives. Such problems include global challenges like climate change, public health crises, environmental degradation, social inequality, urbanization, drug abuse, and child protection, all of which cross disciplinary boundaries and require collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions (Alford & Head, 2017 ; Brown et al., 2010 ; van der Waldt, 2014 ). However, it is important to note that labeling an issue as wicked might push it off the policy agenda. Who would want to invest time and resources in problems that appear unsolvable? While, in reality, governments should address such pressing challenges with the utmost resources, labeling them as wicked can restrict and prevent action, often leading to inaction (McConnell, 2017 ; Peters & Tarpey, 2019 ). Ultimately, policymakers now face increasingly complex issues, many of which go beyond the challenges highlighted by Rittel and Webber. Nevertheless, referring to these issues as wicked has become a trend in academic circles (Peters, 2017 ), stretching the original meaning of the term due to its rhetorical power (Turnbull & Hoppe, 2019 ). Over the past few decades, the exploration of wicked problems has gained substantial attention in fields such as public policy, environmental science, and management. Despite the expanding body of literature, there is still a need for a systematic and comprehensive understanding of how the concept of wicked problems has evolved and been applied across various disciplines. Most existing studies tend to focus on specific aspects of wicked problems, such as their definitions, governance challenges, or sector-specific cases, with few attempts to map the broader intellectual landscape of this research field (Bannink et al., 2024 ; Burke & Wolf, 2021 ; B. Head, 2022 ; Kirschke & Kosow, 2022 ). While individual studies have made notable contributions to understanding various facets of wicked problems, the overarching intellectual framework and development of this research area remain underexplored. As such, bibliographic analyses represent a powerful and precise method for achieving these objectives. A bibliographic analysis, a well-established tool in scientometrics, offers a robust approach for analyzing large scholarly datasets, identifying key themes, and visualizing the structure of knowledge domains. By using this approach, researchers can uncover patterns of collaboration, influential works, and emerging trends that might otherwise go unnoticed (Danaeefard et al., 2025 ; Khosravi et al., 2025 ). Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to conduct a bibliographic analysis of the wicked problem literature to better understand its intellectual structure and evolution. Specifically, this study seeks to: (1) identify the most influential publications, authors, and journals in the field; (2) map thematic and conceptual trends; (3) explore the interdisciplinary nature of the research and its implications for addressing complex societal issues; and (4) examine emerging trends and potential future directions. Methodology The true significance of bibliometric research lies in its capacity to (1) manage, organize, analyze, and present complex bibliometric data, which would otherwise be inefficient and impractical to handle, and (2) offer a comprehensive overview (e.g., the nomological network of themes and topics, temporal development and trends) in meaningful ways (e.g., identifying established nuances, key trends, knowledge gaps, implications, and future directions) (Mukherjee et al., 2022 ). In this context, Donthu et al. ( 2021 ) introduced bibliometric analysis as a method that effectively consolidates large amounts of bibliometric data to provide an overarching view of the performance and intellectual framework of a research field. Gaining an understanding of the performance and intellectual structure of a research area through bibliometric studies is complex but essential (Mukherjee et al., 2022 ). Overall, this technique consolidates extensive bibliometric data to present the intellectual framework and emerging trends within a research topic or domain. Scholars use bibliometric analysis for a variety of purposes, including identifying emerging trends in article and journal performance, collaboration patterns, and research contributors, as well as understanding the intellectual structure of a given field. In essence, bibliometric analysis is valuable for interpreting and mapping accumulated scientific knowledge and the evolutionary subtleties of established areas by transforming large amounts of unstructured data into meaningful insights. Thus, well-executed bibliometric studies can provide a solid basis for advancing a field in innovative and impactful ways, enabling scholars to (1) gain a comprehensive overview, (2) pinpoint knowledge gaps, (3) generate new research ideas, and (4) contribute meaningfully to the field (Danaeefard et al., 2025 ). Typically, bibliometric analyses follow four general steps (Khosravi et al., 2025 ). Step 1: Defining the objectives and scope of the bibliometric study : The first step involves clearly defining the study's goals and boundaries. It is essential to specify the research questions, the scope of the literature to be analyzed, and the expected outcomes. This phase ensures that the study stays focused and relevant. Step 2: Selecting bibliometric analysis techniques : Based on the objectives, appropriate bibliometric techniques are chosen. Performance analysis techniques might include citation analysis, h-index, and productivity measures, while scientific mapping methods could involve co-citation analysis, co-word analysis, and thematic mapping. The choice of techniques should align with the study’s goals and the nature of the data. Step 3: Collecting data for bibliometric analysis : Data collection is a vital step that involves gathering bibliometric data from trusted sources. Ensuring that the data is complete, accurate, and pertinent to the study’s objectives is crucial. Step 4: Conducting the bibliometric analysis and reporting the findings : This step involves applying the selected bibliometric techniques to the gathered data. The analysis should be comprehensive and systematic to ensure that the results are accurate and meaningful. The findings should be clearly and concisely presented, utilizing appropriate visualizations such as graphs, charts, and tables. These results should be interpreted in the context of the research questions and objectives, offering insights into the performance and intellectual framework of the field. Flow diagram 1: Steps of Bibliometric Analysis In this study, bibliometric analysis was conducted using R software. The bibliometrix package within this software enables advanced analytical techniques. In fact, the bibliometrix package for RStudio is an excellent tool for scientific mapping, especially for users with no coding experience (Hussain et al., 2024 ). RStudio serves as an integrated development environment (IDE) for R, enhancing its functionalities. In this setting, bibliometrix is introduced as an R package to streamline bibliometric analysis. Additionally, biblioshiny offers a web-based user interface that allows individuals without coding knowledge to conduct bibliometric analyses effortlessly. As a result, the package provides several unique features, including thematic maps and trend topics, which help researchers identify both current and future trends in the field. It also enables exploration of core, emerging, and marginal concepts across four themes: motor, niche, emerging or declining, and basic. Alongside R software, VOSviewer was used for generating Figs. 9 and 10. For literature retrieval, we used the search terms “wicked problems” OR “wicked problem” as they encapsulate the focus of the research. To ensure a more comprehensive review, we limited the sources to those published between 2000 and 2025. Moreover, it is recommended that bibliometric analysis be based only on original research articles. Consequently, this criterion was applied as well. Finally, we restricted the sources to those written in English. In total, around 2,457 sources were initially identified, and after screening, 281 articles were selected for analysis. Findings As noted, the purpose of this research is to review and analyze studies conducted on wicked problems. To achieve this, we employed bibliometric analysis to provide an overarching view of the field. The results of this analysis are discussed below. Figure 1 illustrates the annual scientific output in the area of "wicked problems." The upward trend in the number of publications highlights an increasing recognition of the importance of these issues across multiple disciplines, especially in public policy, environmental science, and governance. Moreover, the steady rise in publications, particularly from 2014 onward, emphasizes the growing interdisciplinarity and global awareness of wicked problems, likely driven by contemporary challenges such as climate change, public health crises (e.g., COVID-19), and sustainability issues. Figure 1: Annual Scientific Production Figure 2 highlights the authors who have made the most significant contributions to the field of wicked problems. The figure lists key scholars whose work has greatly influenced the intellectual framework of wicked problems. Prominent names like Torfing, Head, and Peters appear frequently, demonstrating their essential roles in advancing theoretical models, empirical research, and practical solutions in this area. Torfing's research often explores themes such as collaborative governance, climate change mitigation, and institutional leadership, focusing on governance strategies for addressing wicked problems. Head, known for his work on typologies and frameworks, has contributed to defining the boundaries of wicked problems, their governance challenges, and their integration into public policy. Peters has made substantial contributions to the study of wicked problems, particularly in policy design, governance, and collaborative approaches, while critiquing oversimplified or paralyzing narratives surrounding these issues. Additionally, the variety of authors shown in Fig. 2 reflects the interdisciplinary nature of wicked problems research. Scholars like Christensen, Deville, and McConnell represent a broad range of academic disciplines, including public administration, environmental science, political science, and management. This diversity highlights the complex nature of wicked problems, which demand insights from multiple fields to formulate comprehensive solutions. The inclusion of authors such as Garces-Velastegui and Laegreid points to emerging trends in the field, particularly in areas such as governance, policy implementation, and institutional design. Figure 2: Most Relevant Authors Figure 3 presents a temporal visualization of the scholarly output of key authors in the field of wicked problems research. Authors like Head and Torfing demonstrate consistent and sustained contributions over several years, reflecting their long-term involvement with the topic of wicked problems. In contrast, authors such as Garces-Velastegui show more recent activity, indicating their emergence as prominent contributors in the later phases of the field’s development. Figure 3: Authors’ Production Over Time Figure 4 provides a bibliometric analysis of the most influential sources in the literature on wicked problems, organized by citation frequency and cumulative citations. Journals such as Public Management Review , Policy and Society , and Administration & Society stand out for their extensive coverage of related topics. Additionally, the inclusion of journals from a variety of disciplines underscores the interdisciplinary nature of wicked problems research. For example, publications like Environmental Planning C: Government and Policy and Society & Natural Resources highlight the environmental aspects of wicked problems. Figure 4: Most Relevant Sources Figure 5, titled "Bradford's Law," presents an analysis of the distribution of scientific publications within the field of wicked problems. Bradford's Law is a bibliometric concept that explains how articles on a specific topic are spread across journals. This figure showcases the core, relevant, and peripheral journals that contribute to the literature on wicked problems. Core Journals (Zone 1): The figure identifies the core journals that publish the largest number of articles on wicked problems. These journals are crucial for researchers in the field, as they offer a concentrated source of pertinent literature. Journals like Public Management Review and Policy and Society are prominent in this zone, due to their extensive coverage of topics related to public policy and governance. he figure also highlights the relevant journals that publish a moderate number of articles on wicked problems. While these journals contribute significantly to the field, they are not as concentrated as the core journals. Examples include International Journal of Public Administration and Policy Sciences , which provide valuable insights and research findings. Peripheral Journals (Zone 3): The figure points out the peripheral journals that publish fewer articles on wicked problems. These journals may cover a broader range of subjects, with occasional publications related to wicked problems. Examples include Review of Policy Research and Regulation & Governance , offering diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches. Figure 5: Bradford Law Figure 6, titled "Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS)," presents an analysis of the historical progression and key works in the field of wicked problems. RPYS is a bibliometric technique that identifies the most impactful publications and their influence over time. This figure shows the distribution of influential publications based on their reference publication year, providing insights into the foundational studies and major developments in the research area. The figure includes two lines: Black Line: Represents the number of cited references each year, illustrating the volume of literature cited in the field of wicked problems. Red Line: Represents the deviation from the 5-year median, highlighting years with unusually high or low citation activity compared to surrounding periods. Peaks in the black line indicate years with a high number of references cited, suggesting the publication of key works or the emergence of significant themes in the field. The figure also highlights notable peaks in citation activity during key years, such as 1973 (the year Rittel and Webber introduced the concept of wicked problems), 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. These peaks align with the publication of seminal works that have had a lasting influence on the field. 1973: The introduction of the concept of wicked problems by Rittel and Webber marks the foundational moment for the field. Their work remains the most cited reference in the early years. 2009: This peak corresponds to influential studies on governance networks, collaborative governance, and policy design, reflecting a growing interest in collaborative approaches to addressing wicked problems. 2012: This peak is associated with works that further expanded the theoretical framework of wicked problems, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change. 2015–2020: A peak around 2015–2020 signifies an increasing focus on issues such as climate change (e.g., the Paris Agreement in 2015) and pandemics (e.g., COVID-19 in 2019), reflecting the rising relevance of these topics in contemporary policy and governance discussions. Figure 6: Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS) Figure 7, titled "Country Scientific Production," provides an analysis of the scientific output by country in the field of wicked problems. The United States (USA) is to be the leading country with the highest frequency of publications, followed by countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. This distribution reflects the dominance of English-speaking and Western European countries in the field of wicked problems research, which is consistent with broader trends in public policy, governance, and environmental studies. For example, European countries, including the Netherlands, UK, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, and Germany, collectively represent a significant portion of the global research output on wicked problems. Also, The USA and Canada are major contributors, highlighting the importance of North American institutions in advancing the field. The USA, in particular, has been a leader in both theoretical and applied research on wicked problems. On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand are notable contributors from the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting their focus on environmental and indigenous issues. China and South Korea also appear in the figure, indicating a growing interest in wicked problems in East Asia. In this regard, Countries such as Ecuador, South Africa, and Singapore are also represented, suggesting that research on wicked problems is becoming increasingly global. These contributions reflect the relevance of wicked problems in diverse geographical and cultural contexts. Figure 7: Country Scientific Production Figure 8, titled "Corresponding Authors Countries," provides a visual depiction of the geographical distribution of scientific output related to the study of wicked problems, based on author affiliations. The figure differentiates between Single Country Publications (SCP) and Multiple Country Publications (MCP), offering insights into the collaborative nature of research across various countries. SCP refers to publications where all authors are from the same country, while MCP indicates international collaboration, with authors from multiple countries contributing to the same work. The United States, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom emerge as the leading contributors. However, despite having the highest number of publications, the USA shows a relatively lower proportion of MCP compared to countries like the Netherlands and Australia. Additionally, the inclusion of countries such as China, South Korea, and Ecuador in the figure highlights that research on wicked problems extends beyond Western nations. Figure 8: Corresponding Author’s Countries Figure 9 presents a co-occurrence analysis of all keywords used in the literature on wicked problems. Co-occurrence analysis is a bibliometric technique employed to reveal connections between terms by showing how frequently two or more keywords appear together in the same research document. This analysis is valuable for identifying thematic clusters and conceptual frameworks that dominate the research field. As depicted in Fig. 9, the largest and most interconnected node is labeled "wicked problems," emphasizing its central role and widespread presence across the dataset. Key associated themes include governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability, pointing to their significance in wicked problems research. The network further reveals several thematic clusters, each representing a distinct but interconnected area of focus within the literature on wicked problems. These clusters are created by groups of keywords that frequently co-occur, signaling a shared conceptual or thematic emphasis. For instance: Cluster 1 (Governance and Collaboration): This cluster features terms such as "collaborative governance," "collaboration," "public policy," "networks," and "public administration." These keywords highlight the focus on governance frameworks and collaborative approaches as critical strategies for addressing wicked problems. The inclusion of "complexity" and "policy analysis" in this cluster underscores the challenges in dealing with multifaceted and interconnected issues. Cluster 2 (Sustainability and Environmental Issues): Keywords like "sustainability," "climate change," "water pollution," and "environmental governance" form a distinct cluster, signaling a strong emphasis on environmental and sustainability-related wicked problems, which are typically characterized by their global scope and long-term effects. Cluster 3 (Policy and Implementation): Terms such as "policy design," "policy implementation," "public policy," and "policy solutions" are grouped together, reflecting the crucial role of policy-focused research in addressing wicked problems. This cluster highlights the practical difficulties of formulating and executing policies that can effectively handle complex, multi-dimensional challenges. Cluster 4 (Crisis and Risk Management): Keywords like "crisis management," "risk," "vulnerability," and "pandemics" create another cluster, signaling an increasing interest in understanding how wicked problems emerge in crisis situations, such as public health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19) and natural disasters. Moreover, some keywords appear on the periphery of the network, indicating emerging or less frequently explored themes. For example, terms like "cultural theory," "innovation," and "joined-up government" are positioned on the edges, suggesting that these areas are of growing interest but have not yet become central to the discourse on wicked problems. Other terms, such as "super wicked problems" and "clumsy solutions," hint at niche areas of research, likely addressing more specialized or intricate cases of wicked problems. Finally, the inclusion of keywords from various disciplines, including "policy capacity," "political economy," and "risk," further underscores the interdisciplinary and multifaceted nature of wicked problems research. This reflects the need for cross-collaboration across public administration, environmental science, health studies, and other fields. Figure 9: Co-Occurrence (all keywords) Figure 10, titled "Co-citation (cited authors)," illustrates a co-citation analysis of authors within the wicked problems' literature. Co-citation analysis is a bibliometric method employed to map the intellectual framework of a research domain by identifying authors frequently cited together in the same publications. This approach helps uncover foundational and influential scholars whose contributions have significantly shaped the discourse on wicked problems, as well as the connections between these authors and the thematic clusters they represent. In this context, Rittel emerges as a pioneering and foundational thinker whose work has deeply influenced the intellectual structure of the wicked problems' literature. Similarly, Head BW is acknowledged for his contributions to defining the boundaries and governance challenges of wicked problems, particularly in public policy. Additionally, Torfing J is noted for his research on collaborative governance, network governance, and institutional leadership, with an emphasis on addressing complex societal issues. Peters BG is another key figure, recognized for his studies on policy design, governance, and collaborative approaches to wicked problems, often challenging oversimplified or paralyzing narratives. Sorensen E is also highlighted for his focus on governance networks and collaborative governance, advancing both theoretical and practical insights into tackling wicked problems collaboratively. Furthermore, Termeer CJAM is distinguished for her work on governance and policy implementation, especially in environmental and sustainability contexts. These authors form central nodes in the co-citation network, underscoring their foundational role in the field and their frequent joint citation. Conversely, the co-citation analysis identifies several thematic clusters, each representing a distinct yet interconnected research area within the wicked problems' literature. For instance, cluster 1 includes authors like Torfing, Sorensen, and Ansell, who are often cited together in discussions on collaborative governance, network governance, and policy networks. Their work stresses the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and governance structures in addressing wicked problems. Cluster 2 centers on authors such as Peters, Head, and Termeer, focusing on policy design, governance, and the practical challenges of implementing policies to tackle complex issues. Their research advocates for adaptive and innovative policy solutions in response to wicked problems. Additionally, cluster 3 features authors like Levin, Cashore, and Van Bueren, whose work is frequently cited in the realms of environmental governance, sustainability, and climate change. Their studies emphasize the global and long-term implications of environmental wicked problems and the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to resolve them. Figure 10: Co-citation (cited authors) Figure 11, titled "Three Fields Plot," is a bibliometric visualization offering a detailed overview of the relationships among three critical elements in the wicked problems literature: references, authors, and keywords. This analytical approach is especially valuable for understanding the intellectual framework of a research field, as it illustrates the connections between influential authors, seminal works, and the central themes or concepts that characterize the domain. The Three Fields Plot enables researchers to identify collaboration patterns, pivotal works, and the conceptual foundations that support the study of wicked problems. Specifically, the leftmost section of the plot emphasizes the most cited references in the wicked problems literature. These works serve as foundational pillars that have shaped the intellectual terrain of the field. They are highly interconnected, suggesting frequent joint citations and forming the core of the wicked problems discourse. Additionally, the central section of the plot highlights the most influential authors in the wicked problems literature. Notable figures such as Head, Termeer, Peters, Torfing, and Sorensen are prominently displayed, reflecting their substantial contributions to the field. These authors are frequently cited for their theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical insights related to wicked problems. Lastly, the rightmost section of the plot identifies the most frequently occurring keywords in the wicked problems literature. These keywords represent the central themes and concepts that define the research domain. For instance, Head is closely associated with studies on governance and policy design, while Torfing is linked to research on collaborative governance and networks. These associations underscore the thematic focus of each author and their contributions to specific dimensions of wicked problems. Figure 11: Three Fields Plot Figure 12 illustrates a factorial analysis of the wicked problems research domain, a bibliometric method employed to simplify complex data and uncover underlying patterns or themes. This approach is particularly effective for revealing the hidden structure of a research field by grouping related terms, concepts, or variables into distinct factors or dimensions. The figure displays a two-dimensional map (or factorial plane) where the axes represent the primary factors derived from the analysis, and the placement of keywords or themes reflects their relationships and significance within the field. Specifically, the two axes in the factorial map correspond to the primary dimensions or factors that explain the variance in the data. These factors are identified using statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) or Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), which reduce data complexity by highlighting the most significant patterns. Factor 1 (Horizontal Axis): This axis represents a major thematic dimension in the wicked problems' literature. Based on the positioning of keywords, it aligns with governance and policy-related themes, such as collaborative governance, public administration, and policy design. This dimension captures institutional and managerial approaches to addressing wicked problems. Factor 2 (Vertical Axis): The vertical axis represents a secondary yet significant dimension, focusing on environmental and sustainability issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and environmental governance. This dimension emphasizes the increasing attention on ecological and long-term challenges within the wicked problems discourse. Additionally, the factorial map reveals several thematic clusters, each representing a group of closely related keywords or concepts. These clusters provide insights into the major research themes and their interconnections within the field. Cluster 1 (Governance and Collaboration): This cluster includes terms such as "collaborative governance," "public administration," "policy design," and "networks." These keywords are positioned along the horizontal axis, indicating their strong association with governance and policy-related themes. The prominence of this cluster highlights the importance of collaborative and institutional approaches in tackling wicked problems. Cluster 2 (Sustainability and Environmental Issues): Keywords such as "climate change," "sustainability," "environmental governance," and "water pollution" form a distinct cluster along the vertical axis. This cluster reflects the significant focus on environmental and sustainability-related wicked problems, often characterized by their global scale and long-term implications. Cluster 3 (Crisis and Risk Management): Terms like "crisis management," "risk," "vulnerability," and "pandemics" are grouped together, indicating a growing interest in understanding how wicked problems manifest in crisis situations. This cluster is positioned between the governance and environmental dimensions, suggesting that crisis management intersects with both institutional and ecological challenges. Cluster 4 (Policy and Implementation): Keywords such as "policy implementation," "policy solutions," and "public policy" are grouped together, emphasizing the practical challenges of designing and implementing policies to address wicked problems. This cluster is closely linked to the governance dimension, underscoring the role of policy-oriented research in addressing complex societal issues. In other words, central themes such as "wicked problems," "governance," and "collaborative governance" occupy strategic positions, indicating their pivotal roles in connecting various subfields. Emerging topics such as "super wicked problems" and "clumsy solutions" signify areas where contemporary challenges are shaping the research frontier. However, keywords like "super wicked problems" in less central positions suggest they are gaining traction, marking potential directions for future research. Finally, the prominence of governance and policy-related keywords underscores the importance of institutional and policy-oriented approaches in addressing wicked problems. Future research could explore innovative governance models and policy frameworks better suited to tackling complex, dynamic challenges. Figure 12: Factorial Analysis Figure 13, titled "Trend Topics," provides a visual representation of the evolution of research themes in the domain of wicked problems over time. This figure utilizes both term frequency and temporal distribution to track emerging, enduring, and fading topics in the literature. Such an analysis is vital for understanding the dynamic shifts within the research area and recognizing subjects that have either gained or lost significance in recent years. Consistent themes like "collaborative governance," "public policy," "sustainable development," and "climate change" have maintained their prominence throughout the timeline. These topics are key to discussions on wicked problems, as they address the complex, interrelated, and multifaceted characteristics of these issues. Their continued relevance emphasizes their foundational role in the field and their sustained importance in both theoretical and practical research. Conversely, topics such as the "COVID-19 pandemic," "green energy," and "collaborative innovation" have surged in prominence in more recent years, suggesting that these areas have attracted considerable attention due to their urgent relevance to global issues. Areas like risk management, vulnerability, and resilience also reflect a shift toward exploring the effects of wicked problems in crisis situations and enhancing adaptive capabilities. Furthermore, the inclusion of terms like "clumsy solutions" and "super wicked problems" indicates a growing focus on more specific and nuanced facets of wicked problems, pointing to the field's development in addressing increasingly intricate challenges. The mention of "joined-up government" reflects attempts to improve governance structures and strategies for managing the inherent complexity and uncertainty of these problems. However, topics such as "human rights," "international organizations," and "decision-making processes" highlight the interdisciplinary scope of wicked problems research. These themes emphasize the need for collaborative efforts that integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, such as public administration, environmental science, political science, and health studies. In conclusion, Fig. 13 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the changing research landscape in the area of wicked problems. By tracking the rise, persistence, and decline of various themes, it serves as a valuable guide for researchers and policymakers working to address the complex and multifaceted nature of wicked problems. The figure underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptive governance, and innovative policy approaches, while also highlighting the need for ongoing research into emerging challenges, such as pandemic response and sustainable energy transitions. Figure 13: Trend Topics Figure 14, titled "Thematic Map," provides a visual representation of the thematic framework within the wicked problems research field. Thematic mapping, a bibliometric method, is used to identify and display key themes and their interconnections within a particular area of study. This map is essential for gaining insight into the intellectual landscape of wicked problems research, as it highlights both well-established and emerging themes, along with their relative significance and interrelationships. Accordingly, the Thematic Map organizes research topics within the wicked problems field into four quadrants based on two dimensions: density and centrality. Density measures the internal development of a theme (cohesion), while centrality assesses its importance and link to the broader field (relevance). The four quadrants are as follows: Motor Themes (Upper Right Quadrant: High Centrality, High Density): Motor themes are highly developed and central to the research field, representing well-established areas that are both relevant and impactful. In the context of wicked problems, motor themes include "governance," "multilevel governance," and "policy design." These themes are vital to the discourse on wicked problems, reflecting the significance of institutional approaches in addressing complex societal challenges. The prominence of these themes highlights the crucial role of governance structures and policy frameworks in solving wicked problems. For example, we further elaborate on some of these themes: Governance: This theme is at the core of wicked problems research, emphasizing the importance of institutional structures, decision-making processes, and policy frameworks in addressing societal challenges. Policy Design: This theme deals with the creation of adaptive and innovative policy solutions to address wicked problems, incorporating sub-themes like policy implementation and policy capacity. It involves understanding the complexity of the issue, engaging stakeholders, and creating policies that are flexible and responsive to evolving conditions. Effective policy design is essential in tackling wicked problems since traditional approaches are often inadequate. Sustainability: Although commonly linked with environmental issues, sustainability in this context also includes social and economic aspects. It involves sub-themes such as sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and environmental governance. Sustainability focuses on balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term well-being, directly related to global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. Niche Themes (Upper Left Quadrant: Low Centrality, High Density): Niche themes are specialized and well-developed, yet less central to the field overall. These themes often represent focused areas of research addressing particular aspects of the broader domain. In wicked problems literature, niche themes may include "super wicked problems," "clumsy solutions," and "cultural theory." These themes are more specialized and may examine specific types of wicked problems or unique methods for addressing them. Although these themes are not as central as motor themes, they are crucial for advancing the field by exploring emerging or specialized areas. Some concepts in this quadrant include: Super Wicked Problems: This theme refers to a subset of wicked problems that are even more complex and urgent. These problems are characterized by time constraints, the involvement of key stakeholders who contribute to the problem, and the absence of a central authority to address them. Clumsy Solutions: This theme investigates the idea that solutions to wicked problems are often imperfect and require a combination of different approaches. It emphasizes adaptive governance and polycentric solutions. Clumsy solutions are significant for addressing the complexity and uncertainty of wicked problems, where no single solution is likely to be sufficient. Cultural Theory: This theme explores the role of cultural and social factors in shaping perceptions of wicked problems and the proposed solutions. It includes sub-themes such as risk perception and social norms. Epistemic Learning: This theme addresses the process of learning and knowledge creation in the context of wicked problems. It includes sub-themes like knowledge co-production and adaptive management. Policy Learning: This theme focuses on how policymakers and stakeholders learn from past experiences and adapt their strategies to tackle wicked problems. It includes sub-themes like experimental governance and adaptive policymaking. Emerging or Declining Themes (Lower Left Quadrant: Low Centrality, Low Density): Emerging or declining themes are less developed and may represent new areas of interest or topics that are losing relevance in the field. In wicked problems research, emerging themes may include "innovation" and "joined-up government." These themes reflect new directions in research or areas gaining attention due to contemporary challenges. Emerging themes signal potential areas for future exploration, while declining themes suggest areas becoming less relevant. Researchers should monitor these themes to identify shifts in the field. One emerging concept is joined-up government: Joined-Up Government: This theme focuses on integrating various government agencies and departments to address complex issues. It includes sub-themes like whole-of-government approaches and interagency collaboration. This concept is vital for improving coordination within government, which is necessary for solving wicked problems that span multiple sectors and jurisdictions. Basic Themes (Lower Right Quadrant: High Centrality, Low Density): Basic themes are fundamental to the field but less developed and have lower impact compared to motor themes. They often represent core concepts that underlie the research domain. In the wicked problems literature, basic themes might include "collaborative governance" and "public administration." These themes are crucial for understanding wicked problems, though they may not be as prominent in current research. Basic themes provide foundational knowledge for advancing the field. Some key concepts in this quadrant include: Collaborative Governance: This theme emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing wicked problems. It involves partnerships between government, private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions. Collaborative governance is vital for addressing issues like climate change, public health crises, and social inequality, where no single entity can solve the problem alone. Public Administration: This theme focuses on the role of public administration in addressing wicked problems, particularly in the context of bureaucratic structures, public sector reform, and administrative capacity. Sustainability: Although also a motor theme, sustainability in this quadrant underscores its foundational role in the field, especially in relation to environmental governance and long-term challenges. Sustainability remains central to wicked problems research, emphasizing the need to balance economic, social, and environmental concerns for long-term well-being. Figure 14: Thematic Map Discussion This bibliometric study of the wicked problems literature has offered significant insights into the development, intellectual framework, and primary themes within this research area. The increasing number of publications demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of the importance of wicked problems across diverse academic fields. The interdisciplinary nature of this research is clear, with contributions from disciplines such as public policy, environmental science, management, and political science. Key authors like Torfing, Head, Peters, Christensen, and Deville have made crucial contributions in advancing theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications within this domain. Their work highlights the significance of governance structures, collaborative methods, and policy design in addressing wicked problems. The prominence of journals such as Public Management Review , Policy and Society , and Administration & Society reflects the centrality of public policy and governance in the ongoing discourse. In addition, the co-occurrence analysis of keywords identifies critical dimensions explored in wicked problems research, such as governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability. Thematic clusters, including governance and collaboration, sustainability and environmental concerns, policy and implementation, and crisis and risk management, emphasize the multifaceted nature of wicked problems and the necessity for interdisciplinary solutions. The trend topics analysis reveals a continuing focus on issues like collaborative governance, public policy, sustainable development, and climate change. Emerging topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, green energy, and collaborative innovation highlight the urgent relevance of contemporary global challenges. Furthermore, the growing attention to concepts like super wicked problems and clumsy solutions suggests an evolving understanding of the increasing complexity and urgency of these issues. The thematic mapping and co-occurrence analysis further illustrate several key research clusters, including governance and collaboration, sustainability and environmental matters, policy and implementation, and crisis and risk management. These clusters reflect the multifaceted nature of wicked problems, underlining the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to address them. The rise of niche themes, such as "super wicked problems" and "clumsy solutions," points to a growing interest in more specialized aspects of these challenges, suggesting that the field is adapting to address more intricate and complex issues. Finally, the factorial analysis and thematic map provide a deeper understanding of the intellectual framework of wicked problems research, uncovering the interconnections between key themes and their relative significance within the field. The prominence of governance and policy-related keywords highlights the importance of institutional and policy-driven strategies for addressing wicked problems. Future research could focus on developing innovative governance models and policy frameworks better suited to tackling these complex, evolving challenges. Conclusion In conclusion, the study of wicked problems has garnered significant attention in recent decades, driven by the growing complexity and interconnectedness of global challenges. This bibliometric analysis offers a thorough overview of the intellectual framework and development of the wicked problems research field over the last fifty years. By systematically mapping the literature, we have highlighted key trends, influential authors, and thematic clusters that have shaped the ongoing discourse on wicked problems. The results emphasize the increasing recognition of wicked problems as a critical area of study across multiple disciplines, particularly in public policy, environmental science, and governance. The rising number of publications, especially since 2014, reflects the growing urgency of these challenges in the context of global crises such as climate change, public health emergencies, and sustainability issues. In this context, a significant body of recent studies has provided solutions and strategies for addressing these issues. For example, recent research underscores the need for multifaceted approaches to effectively tackle wicked problems. Alexander ( 2020 ) stresses the crucial role of collective action, led by diverse stakeholders, in fostering innovative solutions, while Gruendel ( 2022 ) advocates for participatory governance frameworks that integrate both expert knowledge and public input, enhancing democratic decision-making beyond the constraints of specialized expertise. Complementing these perspectives, Burke & Wolf ( 2021 ) argue that ethnographic research demonstrates how managers can create significant strategic value by developing customized strategy tools that not only facilitate collective problem-solving but also allow for ‘spin-off strategizing’ and the identification of latent ambiguities within complex challenges. Moreover, Kirschke & Kosow ( 2022 ) highlight the importance of designing adaptive policy mixes that are coherent, robust, and able to evolve in response to emerging environmental issues. Finally, Savaget et al. ( 2024 ) illustrate how adopting pragmatic action frameworks that prioritize incremental progress and foster experimental learning can drive sustained improvement when tackling persistent, multifaceted problems. In contrast, Turnbull & Hoppe ( 2019 ) argue that 'wicked problems' do not represent a distinct ontological category requiring specialized research or solutions. Instead, unstructured or intractable problems should be addressed through practical judgment and the acceptance of long-term processes, offering partial solutions to managing political differences peacefully. Additionally, Bannink et al. ( 2024 ) suggest that collaborative governance may not be the most viable response to wicked problems. Their analysis concludes by presenting a double paradox of collaborative governance when dealing with wicked problems. Pesch & Vermaas ( 2020 ) also argue that these dilemmas arise from the existing institutional setup, meaning that wicked problems cannot be resolved by simply improving administrative frameworks or methods. Looking ahead, future research should focus on exploring adaptive governance models, innovative policy frameworks, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal challenges. This includes investigating the intersections of governance, sustainability, and policy innovation through empirical studies that test theoretical models in various contexts. Furthermore, there is a need to examine emerging concepts like super wicked problems and clumsy solutions, particularly in relation to climate change, public health, and social equity. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and embracing adaptive, participatory governance models, researchers and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of wicked problems and promote sustainable, resilient societies worldwide. Declarations Author Contribution Mehdi khosravi and Hasan Danaeefard wrote the main manuscript text and Mehdi khosravi prepared figures . All authors reviewed the manuscript. References Alexander, B. N. (2020). Leading collective action to address wicked problems. Nonprofit Management and Leadership , 30 (3), 445–465. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.21394 Alford, J., & Head, B. W. (2017). Wicked and less wicked problems: a typology and a contingency framework. Policy and Society , 36 (3), 397–413. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2017.1361634 Bannink, D., Sancino, A., & Sorrentino, M. (2024). Governance without we. Wicked problems and collaborative governance. Public Policy and Administration , 39 (3), 301–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/09520767241239863 Brown, V. A., Harris, J., & Russell, J. (Eds.). (2010). Tackling Wicked Problems: Through the Transdisciplinary Imagination (1st Edition). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781849776530 Burke, G. T., & Wolf, C. (2021). The Process Affordances of Strategy Toolmaking when Addressing Wicked Problems. Journal of Management Studies , 58 (2), 359–388. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12572 Danaeefard, H., Peters, G., Khosravi, M., Abdolhoseinzadeh, M., Kazemi, S. H., & Abdolhamid, M. (2025). Mapping and Evolving the Intellectual Structure of Politicization Research: A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Current Trends and Future Directions. Public Organization Review , under review . Denford, J. S., Dawson, G. S., Desouza, K. C., & Manoharan, A. P. (2024). Assessing the relevance of governmental characteristics to address wicked problems in turbulent times. Public Management Review , 26 (4), 927–948. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2022.2124535 Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research , 133 , 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070 Gruendel, A. (2022). The Technopolitics of Wicked Problems: Reconstructing Democracy in an Age of Complexity. Critical Review , 34 (2), 202–243. https://doi.org/10.1080/08913811.2022.2052597 Head, B. (2022). Wicked Problems in Public Policy. In Wicked Problems in Public Policy . Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94580-0 Head, B. W. (2019). Forty years of wicked problems literature: forging closer links to policy studies. Policy and Society , 38 (2), 180–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2018.1488797 Hussain, F., Tsang, D., & Rafique, Z. (2024). Policy advisory systems and public policy making: Bibliometric analysis, knowledge mapping, operationalization, and future research agenda. Review of Policy Research , 41 (5), 713–739. https://doi.org/10.1111/ropr.12564 Khosravi, M., Kazemi, S. H., & Babazade, T. (2025). Bibliometric Analysis for Management Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Biblioshiny in R Software. Vikalpa: The Journal for Decision Makers , under review . Kirschke, S., & Kosow, H. (2022). Designing policy mixes for emerging wicked problems. The case of pharmaceutical residues in freshwaters. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning , 24 (5), 486–497. https://doi.org/10.1080/1523908X.2021.1960808 McConnell, A. (2017). Rethinking wicked problems as political problems and policy problems. Policy & Politics , 46 (1), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.1332/030557317X15072085902640 Mukherjee, D., Lim, W. M., Kumar, S., & Donthu, N. (2022). Guidelines for advancing theory and practice through bibliometric research. Journal of Business Research , 148 , 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.04.042 Pesch, U., & Vermaas, P. E. (2020). The Wickedness of Rittel and Webber’s Dilemmas. Administration & Society , 52 (6), 960–979. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095399720934010 Peters, G. (2017). What is so wicked about wicked problems? A conceptual analysis and a research program. Policy and Society , 36 (3), 385–396. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2017.1361633 Peters, G., & Tarpey, M. (2019). Are wicked problems really so wicked? Perceptions of policy problems. Policy and Society , 38 (2), 218–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2019.1626595 Savaget, P., Roulet, T., & Ventresca, M. (2024). Experimentation in Wicked Situations: How activists construct pragmatic action frames. Organization Studies , 45 (10), 1493–1521. https://doi.org/10.1177/01708406241261460 Turnbull, N., & Hoppe, R. (2019). Problematizing ‘wickedness’: a critique of the wicked problems concept, from philosophy to practice. Policy and Society , 38 (2), 315–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2018.1488796 van der Waldt, G. (2014). Public administration teaching and interdisciplinarity: considering the consequences. Teaching Public Administration , 32 (2), 169–193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0144739414523285 Flow diagram 1 Flow diagram 1 is available in the Supplementary Files section. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files Flowdiagram1.png Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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These problems, marked by their intricate nature, interdependencies, and difficulty in being solved, have become a focal point of research across various disciplines (B. W. Head, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; McConnell, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Initially introduced by Rittel and Webber (1973) in urban planning, they argued that most easy problems had been resolved by governments, leaving a range of challenging and wicked problems (Denford et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Peters \u0026amp; Tarpey, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). As a result, these issues defy straightforward solutions due to their dynamic and multi-dimensional characteristics, interconnections with other problems, and the involvement of diverse stakeholder perspectives. Such problems include global challenges like climate change, public health crises, environmental degradation, social inequality, urbanization, drug abuse, and child protection, all of which cross disciplinary boundaries and require collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions (Alford \u0026amp; Head, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Brown et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; van der Waldt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, it is important to note that labeling an issue as wicked might push it off the policy agenda. Who would want to invest time and resources in problems that appear unsolvable? While, in reality, governments should address such pressing challenges with the utmost resources, labeling them as wicked can restrict and prevent action, often leading to inaction (McConnell, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Peters \u0026amp; Tarpey, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Ultimately, policymakers now face increasingly complex issues, many of which go beyond the challenges highlighted by Rittel and Webber. Nevertheless, referring to these issues as wicked has become a trend in academic circles (Peters, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), stretching the original meaning of the term due to its rhetorical power (Turnbull \u0026amp; Hoppe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOver the past few decades, the exploration of wicked problems has gained substantial attention in fields such as public policy, environmental science, and management. Despite the expanding body of literature, there is still a need for a systematic and comprehensive understanding of how the concept of wicked problems has evolved and been applied across various disciplines. Most existing studies tend to focus on specific aspects of wicked problems, such as their definitions, governance challenges, or sector-specific cases, with few attempts to map the broader intellectual landscape of this research field (Bannink et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Burke \u0026amp; Wolf, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; B. Head, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Kirschke \u0026amp; Kosow, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). While individual studies have made notable contributions to understanding various facets of wicked problems, the overarching intellectual framework and development of this research area remain underexplored. As such, bibliographic analyses represent a powerful and precise method for achieving these objectives. A bibliographic analysis, a well-established tool in scientometrics, offers a robust approach for analyzing large scholarly datasets, identifying key themes, and visualizing the structure of knowledge domains. By using this approach, researchers can uncover patterns of collaboration, influential works, and emerging trends that might otherwise go unnoticed (Danaeefard et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Khosravi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to conduct a bibliographic analysis of the wicked problem literature to better understand its intellectual structure and evolution. Specifically, this study seeks to: (1) identify the most influential publications, authors, and journals in the field; (2) map thematic and conceptual trends; (3) explore the interdisciplinary nature of the research and its implications for addressing complex societal issues; and (4) examine emerging trends and potential future directions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe true significance of bibliometric research lies in its capacity to (1) manage, organize, analyze, and present complex bibliometric data, which would otherwise be inefficient and impractical to handle, and (2) offer a comprehensive overview (e.g., the nomological network of themes and topics, temporal development and trends) in meaningful ways (e.g., identifying established nuances, key trends, knowledge gaps, implications, and future directions) (Mukherjee et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). In this context, Donthu et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) introduced bibliometric analysis as a method that effectively consolidates large amounts of bibliometric data to provide an overarching view of the performance and intellectual framework of a research field. Gaining an understanding of the performance and intellectual structure of a research area through bibliometric studies is complex but essential (Mukherjee et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Overall, this technique consolidates extensive bibliometric data to present the intellectual framework and emerging trends within a research topic or domain. Scholars use bibliometric analysis for a variety of purposes, including identifying emerging trends in article and journal performance, collaboration patterns, and research contributors, as well as understanding the intellectual structure of a given field. In essence, bibliometric analysis is valuable for interpreting and mapping accumulated scientific knowledge and the evolutionary subtleties of established areas by transforming large amounts of unstructured data into meaningful insights. Thus, well-executed bibliometric studies can provide a solid basis for advancing a field in innovative and impactful ways, enabling scholars to (1) gain a comprehensive overview, (2) pinpoint knowledge gaps, (3) generate new research ideas, and (4) contribute meaningfully to the field (Danaeefard et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTypically, bibliometric analyses follow four general steps (Khosravi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eStep 1: Defining the objectives and scope of the bibliometric study\u003c/b\u003e: The first step involves clearly defining the study's goals and boundaries. It is essential to specify the research questions, the scope of the literature to be analyzed, and the expected outcomes. This phase ensures that the study stays focused and relevant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eStep 2: Selecting bibliometric analysis techniques\u003c/b\u003e: Based on the objectives, appropriate bibliometric techniques are chosen. Performance analysis techniques might include citation analysis, h-index, and productivity measures, while scientific mapping methods could involve co-citation analysis, co-word analysis, and thematic mapping. The choice of techniques should align with the study’s goals and the nature of the data.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eStep 3: Collecting data for bibliometric analysis\u003c/b\u003e: Data collection is a vital step that involves gathering bibliometric data from trusted sources. Ensuring that the data is complete, accurate, and pertinent to the study’s objectives is crucial.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eStep 4: Conducting the bibliometric analysis and reporting the findings\u003c/b\u003e: This step involves applying the selected bibliometric techniques to the gathered data. The analysis should be comprehensive and systematic to ensure that the results are accurate and meaningful. The findings should be clearly and concisely presented, utilizing appropriate visualizations such as graphs, charts, and tables. These results should be interpreted in the context of the research questions and objectives, offering insights into the performance and intellectual framework of the field.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFlow diagram 1: Steps of Bibliometric Analysis\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, bibliometric analysis was conducted using R software. The bibliometrix package within this software enables advanced analytical techniques. In fact, the bibliometrix package for RStudio is an excellent tool for scientific mapping, especially for users with no coding experience (Hussain et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). RStudio serves as an integrated development environment (IDE) for R, enhancing its functionalities. In this setting, bibliometrix is introduced as an R package to streamline bibliometric analysis. Additionally, biblioshiny offers a web-based user interface that allows individuals without coding knowledge to conduct bibliometric analyses effortlessly. As a result, the package provides several unique features, including thematic maps and trend topics, which help researchers identify both current and future trends in the field. It also enables exploration of core, emerging, and marginal concepts across four themes: motor, niche, emerging or declining, and basic. Alongside R software, VOSviewer was used for generating Figs.\u0026nbsp;9 and 10.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor literature retrieval, we used the search terms “wicked problems” OR “wicked problem” as they encapsulate the focus of the research. To ensure a more comprehensive review, we limited the sources to those published between 2000 and 2025. Moreover, it is recommended that bibliometric analysis be based only on original research articles. Consequently, this criterion was applied as well. Finally, we restricted the sources to those written in English. In total, around 2,457 sources were initially identified, and after screening, 281 articles were selected for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Findings","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs noted, the purpose of this research is to review and analyze studies conducted on wicked problems. To achieve this, we employed bibliometric analysis to provide an overarching view of the field. The results of this analysis are discussed below.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 1 illustrates the annual scientific output in the area of \"wicked problems.\" The upward trend in the number of publications highlights an increasing recognition of the importance of these issues across multiple disciplines, especially in public policy, environmental science, and governance. Moreover, the steady rise in publications, particularly from 2014 onward, emphasizes the growing interdisciplinarity and global awareness of wicked problems, likely driven by contemporary challenges such as climate change, public health crises (e.g., COVID-19), and sustainability issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabb\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 1: Annual Scientific Production\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 2 highlights the authors who have made the most significant contributions to the field of wicked problems. The figure lists key scholars whose work has greatly influenced the intellectual framework of wicked problems. Prominent names like Torfing, Head, and Peters appear frequently, demonstrating their essential roles in advancing theoretical models, empirical research, and practical solutions in this area. Torfing's research often explores themes such as collaborative governance, climate change mitigation, and institutional leadership, focusing on governance strategies for addressing wicked problems. Head, known for his work on typologies and frameworks, has contributed to defining the boundaries of wicked problems, their governance challenges, and their integration into public policy. Peters has made substantial contributions to the study of wicked problems, particularly in policy design, governance, and collaborative approaches, while critiquing oversimplified or paralyzing narratives surrounding these issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the variety of authors shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;2 reflects the interdisciplinary nature of wicked problems research. Scholars like Christensen, Deville, and McConnell represent a broad range of academic disciplines, including public administration, environmental science, political science, and management. This diversity highlights the complex nature of wicked problems, which demand insights from multiple fields to formulate comprehensive solutions. The inclusion of authors such as Garces-Velastegui and Laegreid points to emerging trends in the field, particularly in areas such as governance, policy implementation, and institutional design.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 2: Most Relevant Authors\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 3 presents a temporal visualization of the scholarly output of key authors in the field of wicked problems research. Authors like Head and Torfing demonstrate consistent and sustained contributions over several years, reflecting their long-term involvement with the topic of wicked problems. In contrast, authors such as Garces-Velastegui show more recent activity, indicating their emergence as prominent contributors in the later phases of the field’s development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabd\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 3: Authors’ Production Over Time\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 4 provides a bibliometric analysis of the most influential sources in the literature on wicked problems, organized by citation frequency and cumulative citations. Journals such as \u003cem\u003ePublic Management Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePolicy and Society\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eAdministration \u0026amp; Society\u003c/em\u003e stand out for their extensive coverage of related topics. Additionally, the inclusion of journals from a variety of disciplines underscores the interdisciplinary nature of wicked problems research. For example, publications like \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Planning C: Government and Policy\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSociety \u0026amp; Natural Resources\u003c/em\u003e highlight the environmental aspects of wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabe\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 4: Most Relevant Sources\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 5, titled \"Bradford's Law,\" presents an analysis of the distribution of scientific publications within the field of wicked problems. Bradford's Law is a bibliometric concept that explains how articles on a specific topic are spread across journals. This figure showcases the core, relevant, and peripheral journals that contribute to the literature on wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eCore Journals (Zone 1): The figure identifies the core journals that publish the largest number of articles on wicked problems. These journals are crucial for researchers in the field, as they offer a concentrated source of pertinent literature. Journals like \u003cem\u003ePublic Management Review\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ePolicy and Society\u003c/em\u003e are prominent in this zone, due to their extensive coverage of topics related to public policy and governance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ehe figure also highlights the relevant journals that publish a moderate number of articles on wicked problems. While these journals contribute significantly to the field, they are not as concentrated as the core journals. Examples include \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Public Administration\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ePolicy Sciences\u003c/em\u003e, which provide valuable insights and research findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeripheral Journals (Zone 3): The figure points out the peripheral journals that publish fewer articles on wicked problems. These journals may cover a broader range of subjects, with occasional publications related to wicked problems. Examples include \u003cem\u003eReview of Policy Research\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eRegulation \u0026amp; Governance\u003c/em\u003e, offering diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabf\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 5: Bradford Law\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 6, titled \"Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS),\" presents an analysis of the historical progression and key works in the field of wicked problems. RPYS is a bibliometric technique that identifies the most impactful publications and their influence over time. This figure shows the distribution of influential publications based on their reference publication year, providing insights into the foundational studies and major developments in the research area. The figure includes two lines:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack Line: Represents the number of cited references each year, illustrating the volume of literature cited in the field of wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRed Line: Represents the deviation from the 5-year median, highlighting years with unusually high or low citation activity compared to surrounding periods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaks in the black line indicate years with a high number of references cited, suggesting the publication of key works or the emergence of significant themes in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe figure also highlights notable peaks in citation activity during key years, such as 1973 (the year Rittel and Webber introduced the concept of wicked problems), 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. These peaks align with the publication of seminal works that have had a lasting influence on the field.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1973: The introduction of the concept of wicked problems by Rittel and Webber marks the foundational moment for the field. Their work remains the most cited reference in the early years.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2009: This peak corresponds to influential studies on governance networks, collaborative governance, and policy design, reflecting a growing interest in collaborative approaches to addressing wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2012: This peak is associated with works that further expanded the theoretical framework of wicked problems, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2015–2020: A peak around 2015–2020 signifies an increasing focus on issues such as climate change (e.g., the Paris Agreement in 2015) and pandemics (e.g., COVID-19 in 2019), reflecting the rising relevance of these topics in contemporary policy and governance discussions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabg\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 6: Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 7, titled \"Country Scientific Production,\" provides an analysis of the scientific output by country in the field of wicked problems. The United States (USA) is to be the leading country with the highest frequency of publications, followed by countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. This distribution reflects the dominance of English-speaking and Western European countries in the field of wicked problems research, which is consistent with broader trends in public policy, governance, and environmental studies. For example, European countries, including the Netherlands, UK, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, and Germany, collectively represent a significant portion of the global research output on wicked problems. Also, The USA and Canada are major contributors, highlighting the importance of North American institutions in advancing the field. The USA, in particular, has been a leader in both theoretical and applied research on wicked problems. On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand are notable contributors from the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting their focus on environmental and indigenous issues. China and South Korea also appear in the figure, indicating a growing interest in wicked problems in East Asia. In this regard, Countries such as Ecuador, South Africa, and Singapore are also represented, suggesting that research on wicked problems is becoming increasingly global. These contributions reflect the relevance of wicked problems in diverse geographical and cultural contexts.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabh\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 7: Country Scientific Production\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 8, titled \"Corresponding Authors Countries,\" provides a visual depiction of the geographical distribution of scientific output related to the study of wicked problems, based on author affiliations. The figure differentiates between Single Country Publications (SCP) and Multiple Country Publications (MCP), offering insights into the collaborative nature of research across various countries. SCP refers to publications where all authors are from the same country, while MCP indicates international collaboration, with authors from multiple countries contributing to the same work. The United States, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom emerge as the leading contributors. However, despite having the highest number of publications, the USA shows a relatively lower proportion of MCP compared to countries like the Netherlands and Australia. Additionally, the inclusion of countries such as China, South Korea, and Ecuador in the figure highlights that research on wicked problems extends beyond Western nations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabi\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 8: Corresponding Author’s Countries\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 9 presents a co-occurrence analysis of all keywords used in the literature on wicked problems. Co-occurrence analysis is a bibliometric technique employed to reveal connections between terms by showing how frequently two or more keywords appear together in the same research document. This analysis is valuable for identifying thematic clusters and conceptual frameworks that dominate the research field. As depicted in Fig.\u0026nbsp;9, the largest and most interconnected node is labeled \"wicked problems,\" emphasizing its central role and widespread presence across the dataset. Key associated themes include governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability, pointing to their significance in wicked problems research. The network further reveals several thematic clusters, each representing a distinct but interconnected area of focus within the literature on wicked problems. These clusters are created by groups of keywords that frequently co-occur, signaling a shared conceptual or thematic emphasis. For instance:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 1 (Governance and Collaboration): This cluster features terms such as \"collaborative governance,\" \"collaboration,\" \"public policy,\" \"networks,\" and \"public administration.\" These keywords highlight the focus on governance frameworks and collaborative approaches as critical strategies for addressing wicked problems. The inclusion of \"complexity\" and \"policy analysis\" in this cluster underscores the challenges in dealing with multifaceted and interconnected issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 2 (Sustainability and Environmental Issues): Keywords like \"sustainability,\" \"climate change,\" \"water pollution,\" and \"environmental governance\" form a distinct cluster, signaling a strong emphasis on environmental and sustainability-related wicked problems, which are typically characterized by their global scope and long-term effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 3 (Policy and Implementation): Terms such as \"policy design,\" \"policy implementation,\" \"public policy,\" and \"policy solutions\" are grouped together, reflecting the crucial role of policy-focused research in addressing wicked problems. This cluster highlights the practical difficulties of formulating and executing policies that can effectively handle complex, multi-dimensional challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 4 (Crisis and Risk Management): Keywords like \"crisis management,\" \"risk,\" \"vulnerability,\" and \"pandemics\" create another cluster, signaling an increasing interest in understanding how wicked problems emerge in crisis situations, such as public health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19) and natural disasters.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, some keywords appear on the periphery of the network, indicating emerging or less frequently explored themes. For example, terms like \"cultural theory,\" \"innovation,\" and \"joined-up government\" are positioned on the edges, suggesting that these areas are of growing interest but have not yet become central to the discourse on wicked problems. Other terms, such as \"super wicked problems\" and \"clumsy solutions,\" hint at niche areas of research, likely addressing more specialized or intricate cases of wicked problems. Finally, the inclusion of keywords from various disciplines, including \"policy capacity,\" \"political economy,\" and \"risk,\" further underscores the interdisciplinary and multifaceted nature of wicked problems research. This reflects the need for cross-collaboration across public administration, environmental science, health studies, and other fields.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabj\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 9: Co-Occurrence (all keywords)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 10, titled \"Co-citation (cited authors),\" illustrates a co-citation analysis of authors within the wicked problems' literature. Co-citation analysis is a bibliometric method employed to map the intellectual framework of a research domain by identifying authors frequently cited together in the same publications. This approach helps uncover foundational and influential scholars whose contributions have significantly shaped the discourse on wicked problems, as well as the connections between these authors and the thematic clusters they represent. In this context, Rittel emerges as a pioneering and foundational thinker whose work has deeply influenced the intellectual structure of the wicked problems' literature. Similarly, Head BW is acknowledged for his contributions to defining the boundaries and governance challenges of wicked problems, particularly in public policy. Additionally, Torfing J is noted for his research on collaborative governance, network governance, and institutional leadership, with an emphasis on addressing complex societal issues. Peters BG is another key figure, recognized for his studies on policy design, governance, and collaborative approaches to wicked problems, often challenging oversimplified or paralyzing narratives. Sorensen E is also highlighted for his focus on governance networks and collaborative governance, advancing both theoretical and practical insights into tackling wicked problems collaboratively. Furthermore, Termeer CJAM is distinguished for her work on governance and policy implementation, especially in environmental and sustainability contexts. These authors form central nodes in the co-citation network, underscoring their foundational role in the field and their frequent joint citation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConversely, the co-citation analysis identifies several thematic clusters, each representing a distinct yet interconnected research area within the wicked problems' literature. For instance, cluster 1 includes authors like Torfing, Sorensen, and Ansell, who are often cited together in discussions on collaborative governance, network governance, and policy networks. Their work stresses the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and governance structures in addressing wicked problems. Cluster 2 centers on authors such as Peters, Head, and Termeer, focusing on policy design, governance, and the practical challenges of implementing policies to tackle complex issues. Their research advocates for adaptive and innovative policy solutions in response to wicked problems. Additionally, cluster 3 features authors like Levin, Cashore, and Van Bueren, whose work is frequently cited in the realms of environmental governance, sustainability, and climate change. Their studies emphasize the global and long-term implications of environmental wicked problems and the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to resolve them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabk\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 10: Co-citation (cited authors)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 11, titled \"Three Fields Plot,\" is a bibliometric visualization offering a detailed overview of the relationships among three critical elements in the wicked problems literature: references, authors, and keywords. This analytical approach is especially valuable for understanding the intellectual framework of a research field, as it illustrates the connections between influential authors, seminal works, and the central themes or concepts that characterize the domain. The Three Fields Plot enables researchers to identify collaboration patterns, pivotal works, and the conceptual foundations that support the study of wicked problems. Specifically, the leftmost section of the plot emphasizes the most cited references in the wicked problems literature. These works serve as foundational pillars that have shaped the intellectual terrain of the field. They are highly interconnected, suggesting frequent joint citations and forming the core of the wicked problems discourse. Additionally, the central section of the plot highlights the most influential authors in the wicked problems literature. Notable figures such as Head, Termeer, Peters, Torfing, and Sorensen are prominently displayed, reflecting their substantial contributions to the field. These authors are frequently cited for their theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical insights related to wicked problems. Lastly, the rightmost section of the plot identifies the most frequently occurring keywords in the wicked problems literature. These keywords represent the central themes and concepts that define the research domain. For instance, Head is closely associated with studies on governance and policy design, while Torfing is linked to research on collaborative governance and networks. These associations underscore the thematic focus of each author and their contributions to specific dimensions of wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabl\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 11: Three Fields Plot\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 12 illustrates a factorial analysis of the wicked problems research domain, a bibliometric method employed to simplify complex data and uncover underlying patterns or themes. This approach is particularly effective for revealing the hidden structure of a research field by grouping related terms, concepts, or variables into distinct factors or dimensions. The figure displays a two-dimensional map (or factorial plane) where the axes represent the primary factors derived from the analysis, and the placement of keywords or themes reflects their relationships and significance within the field.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecifically, the two axes in the factorial map correspond to the primary dimensions or factors that explain the variance in the data. These factors are identified using statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) or Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), which reduce data complexity by highlighting the most significant patterns.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFactor 1 (Horizontal Axis): This axis represents a major thematic dimension in the wicked problems' literature. Based on the positioning of keywords, it aligns with governance and policy-related themes, such as collaborative governance, public administration, and policy design. This dimension captures institutional and managerial approaches to addressing wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFactor 2 (Vertical Axis): The vertical axis represents a secondary yet significant dimension, focusing on environmental and sustainability issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and environmental governance. This dimension emphasizes the increasing attention on ecological and long-term challenges within the wicked problems discourse.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the factorial map reveals several thematic clusters, each representing a group of closely related keywords or concepts. These clusters provide insights into the major research themes and their interconnections within the field.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 1 (Governance and Collaboration): This cluster includes terms such as \"collaborative governance,\" \"public administration,\" \"policy design,\" and \"networks.\" These keywords are positioned along the horizontal axis, indicating their strong association with governance and policy-related themes. The prominence of this cluster highlights the importance of collaborative and institutional approaches in tackling wicked problems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 2 (Sustainability and Environmental Issues): Keywords such as \"climate change,\" \"sustainability,\" \"environmental governance,\" and \"water pollution\" form a distinct cluster along the vertical axis. This cluster reflects the significant focus on environmental and sustainability-related wicked problems, often characterized by their global scale and long-term implications.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 3 (Crisis and Risk Management): Terms like \"crisis management,\" \"risk,\" \"vulnerability,\" and \"pandemics\" are grouped together, indicating a growing interest in understanding how wicked problems manifest in crisis situations. This cluster is positioned between the governance and environmental dimensions, suggesting that crisis management intersects with both institutional and ecological challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCluster 4 (Policy and Implementation): Keywords such as \"policy implementation,\" \"policy solutions,\" and \"public policy\" are grouped together, emphasizing the practical challenges of designing and implementing policies to address wicked problems. This cluster is closely linked to the governance dimension, underscoring the role of policy-oriented research in addressing complex societal issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn other words, central themes such as \"wicked problems,\" \"governance,\" and \"collaborative governance\" occupy strategic positions, indicating their pivotal roles in connecting various subfields. Emerging topics such as \"super wicked problems\" and \"clumsy solutions\" signify areas where contemporary challenges are shaping the research frontier. However, keywords like \"super wicked problems\" in less central positions suggest they are gaining traction, marking potential directions for future research. Finally, the prominence of governance and policy-related keywords underscores the importance of institutional and policy-oriented approaches in addressing wicked problems. Future research could explore innovative governance models and policy frameworks better suited to tackling complex, dynamic challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabm\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 12: Factorial Analysis\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 13, titled \"Trend Topics,\" provides a visual representation of the evolution of research themes in the domain of wicked problems over time. This figure utilizes both term frequency and temporal distribution to track emerging, enduring, and fading topics in the literature. Such an analysis is vital for understanding the dynamic shifts within the research area and recognizing subjects that have either gained or lost significance in recent years. Consistent themes like \"collaborative governance,\" \"public policy,\" \"sustainable development,\" and \"climate change\" have maintained their prominence throughout the timeline. These topics are key to discussions on wicked problems, as they address the complex, interrelated, and multifaceted characteristics of these issues. Their continued relevance emphasizes their foundational role in the field and their sustained importance in both theoretical and practical research. Conversely, topics such as the \"COVID-19 pandemic,\" \"green energy,\" and \"collaborative innovation\" have surged in prominence in more recent years, suggesting that these areas have attracted considerable attention due to their urgent relevance to global issues. Areas like risk management, vulnerability, and resilience also reflect a shift toward exploring the effects of wicked problems in crisis situations and enhancing adaptive capabilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the inclusion of terms like \"clumsy solutions\" and \"super wicked problems\" indicates a growing focus on more specific and nuanced facets of wicked problems, pointing to the field's development in addressing increasingly intricate challenges. The mention of \"joined-up government\" reflects attempts to improve governance structures and strategies for managing the inherent complexity and uncertainty of these problems. However, topics such as \"human rights,\" \"international organizations,\" and \"decision-making processes\" highlight the interdisciplinary scope of wicked problems research. These themes emphasize the need for collaborative efforts that integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, such as public administration, environmental science, political science, and health studies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, Fig.\u0026nbsp;13 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the changing research landscape in the area of wicked problems. By tracking the rise, persistence, and decline of various themes, it serves as a valuable guide for researchers and policymakers working to address the complex and multifaceted nature of wicked problems. The figure underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptive governance, and innovative policy approaches, while also highlighting the need for ongoing research into emerging challenges, such as pandemic response and sustainable energy transitions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabn\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 13: Trend Topics\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure 14, titled \"Thematic Map,\" provides a visual representation of the thematic framework within the wicked problems research field. Thematic mapping, a bibliometric method, is used to identify and display key themes and their interconnections within a particular area of study. This map is essential for gaining insight into the intellectual landscape of wicked problems research, as it highlights both well-established and emerging themes, along with their relative significance and interrelationships. Accordingly, the Thematic Map organizes research topics within the wicked problems field into four quadrants based on two dimensions: density and centrality. Density measures the internal development of a theme (cohesion), while centrality assesses its importance and link to the broader field (relevance). The four quadrants are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMotor Themes (Upper Right Quadrant: High Centrality, High Density): Motor themes are highly developed and central to the research field, representing well-established areas that are both relevant and impactful. In the context of wicked problems, motor themes include \"governance,\" \"multilevel governance,\" and \"policy design.\" These themes are vital to the discourse on wicked problems, reflecting the significance of institutional approaches in addressing complex societal challenges. The prominence of these themes highlights the crucial role of governance structures and policy frameworks in solving wicked problems. For example, we further elaborate on some of these themes:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernance: This theme is at the core of wicked problems research, emphasizing the importance of institutional structures, decision-making processes, and policy frameworks in addressing societal challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolicy Design: This theme deals with the creation of adaptive and innovative policy solutions to address wicked problems, incorporating sub-themes like policy implementation and policy capacity. It involves understanding the complexity of the issue, engaging stakeholders, and creating policies that are flexible and responsive to evolving conditions. Effective policy design is essential in tackling wicked problems since traditional approaches are often inadequate.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSustainability: Although commonly linked with environmental issues, sustainability in this context also includes social and economic aspects. It involves sub-themes such as sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and environmental governance. Sustainability focuses on balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term well-being, directly related to global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNiche Themes (Upper Left Quadrant: Low Centrality, High Density): Niche themes are specialized and well-developed, yet less central to the field overall. These themes often represent focused areas of research addressing particular aspects of the broader domain. In wicked problems literature, niche themes may include \"super wicked problems,\" \"clumsy solutions,\" and \"cultural theory.\" These themes are more specialized and may examine specific types of wicked problems or unique methods for addressing them. Although these themes are not as central as motor themes, they are crucial for advancing the field by exploring emerging or specialized areas. Some concepts in this quadrant include:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuper Wicked Problems: This theme refers to a subset of wicked problems that are even more complex and urgent. These problems are characterized by time constraints, the involvement of key stakeholders who contribute to the problem, and the absence of a central authority to address them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClumsy Solutions: This theme investigates the idea that solutions to wicked problems are often imperfect and require a combination of different approaches. It emphasizes adaptive governance and polycentric solutions. Clumsy solutions are significant for addressing the complexity and uncertainty of wicked problems, where no single solution is likely to be sufficient.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCultural Theory: This theme explores the role of cultural and social factors in shaping perceptions of wicked problems and the proposed solutions. It includes sub-themes such as risk perception and social norms.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEpistemic Learning: This theme addresses the process of learning and knowledge creation in the context of wicked problems. It includes sub-themes like knowledge co-production and adaptive management.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolicy Learning: This theme focuses on how policymakers and stakeholders learn from past experiences and adapt their strategies to tackle wicked problems. It includes sub-themes like experimental governance and adaptive policymaking.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmerging or Declining Themes (Lower Left Quadrant: Low Centrality, Low Density): Emerging or declining themes are less developed and may represent new areas of interest or topics that are losing relevance in the field. In wicked problems research, emerging themes may include \"innovation\" and \"joined-up government.\" These themes reflect new directions in research or areas gaining attention due to contemporary challenges. Emerging themes signal potential areas for future exploration, while declining themes suggest areas becoming less relevant. Researchers should monitor these themes to identify shifts in the field. One emerging concept is joined-up government:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJoined-Up Government: This theme focuses on integrating various government agencies and departments to address complex issues. It includes sub-themes like whole-of-government approaches and interagency collaboration. This concept is vital for improving coordination within government, which is necessary for solving wicked problems that span multiple sectors and jurisdictions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBasic Themes (Lower Right Quadrant: High Centrality, Low Density): Basic themes are fundamental to the field but less developed and have lower impact compared to motor themes. They often represent core concepts that underlie the research domain. In the wicked problems literature, basic themes might include \"collaborative governance\" and \"public administration.\" These themes are crucial for understanding wicked problems, though they may not be as prominent in current research. Basic themes provide foundational knowledge for advancing the field. Some key concepts in this quadrant include:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollaborative Governance: This theme emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing wicked problems. It involves partnerships between government, private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions. Collaborative governance is vital for addressing issues like climate change, public health crises, and social inequality, where no single entity can solve the problem alone.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublic Administration: This theme focuses on the role of public administration in addressing wicked problems, particularly in the context of bureaucratic structures, public sector reform, and administrative capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSustainability: Although also a motor theme, sustainability in this quadrant underscores its foundational role in the field, especially in relation to environmental governance and long-term challenges. Sustainability remains central to wicked problems research, emphasizing the need to balance economic, social, and environmental concerns for long-term well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabo\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFigure 14: Thematic Map\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis bibliometric study of the wicked problems literature has offered significant insights into the development, intellectual framework, and primary themes within this research area. The increasing number of publications demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of the importance of wicked problems across diverse academic fields. The interdisciplinary nature of this research is clear, with contributions from disciplines such as public policy, environmental science, management, and political science. Key authors like Torfing, Head, Peters, Christensen, and Deville have made crucial contributions in advancing theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications within this domain. Their work highlights the significance of governance structures, collaborative methods, and policy design in addressing wicked problems. The prominence of journals such as \u003cem\u003ePublic Management Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePolicy and Society\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eAdministration \u0026amp; Society\u003c/em\u003e reflects the centrality of public policy and governance in the ongoing discourse.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition, the co-occurrence analysis of keywords identifies critical dimensions explored in wicked problems research, such as governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability. Thematic clusters, including governance and collaboration, sustainability and environmental concerns, policy and implementation, and crisis and risk management, emphasize the multifaceted nature of wicked problems and the necessity for interdisciplinary solutions. The trend topics analysis reveals a continuing focus on issues like collaborative governance, public policy, sustainable development, and climate change. Emerging topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, green energy, and collaborative innovation highlight the urgent relevance of contemporary global challenges. Furthermore, the growing attention to concepts like super wicked problems and clumsy solutions suggests an evolving understanding of the increasing complexity and urgency of these issues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe thematic mapping and co-occurrence analysis further illustrate several key research clusters, including governance and collaboration, sustainability and environmental matters, policy and implementation, and crisis and risk management. These clusters reflect the multifaceted nature of wicked problems, underlining the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to address them. The rise of niche themes, such as \"super wicked problems\" and \"clumsy solutions,\" points to a growing interest in more specialized aspects of these challenges, suggesting that the field is adapting to address more intricate and complex issues. Finally, the factorial analysis and thematic map provide a deeper understanding of the intellectual framework of wicked problems research, uncovering the interconnections between key themes and their relative significance within the field. The prominence of governance and policy-related keywords highlights the importance of institutional and policy-driven strategies for addressing wicked problems. Future research could focus on developing innovative governance models and policy frameworks better suited to tackling these complex, evolving challenges.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the study of wicked problems has garnered significant attention in recent decades, driven by the growing complexity and interconnectedness of global challenges. This bibliometric analysis offers a thorough overview of the intellectual framework and development of the wicked problems research field over the last fifty years. By systematically mapping the literature, we have highlighted key trends, influential authors, and thematic clusters that have shaped the ongoing discourse on wicked problems. The results emphasize the increasing recognition of wicked problems as a critical area of study across multiple disciplines, particularly in public policy, environmental science, and governance. The rising number of publications, especially since 2014, reflects the growing urgency of these challenges in the context of global crises such as climate change, public health emergencies, and sustainability issues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this context, a significant body of recent studies has provided solutions and strategies for addressing these issues. For example, recent research underscores the need for multifaceted approaches to effectively tackle wicked problems. Alexander (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) stresses the crucial role of collective action, led by diverse stakeholders, in fostering innovative solutions, while Gruendel (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) advocates for participatory governance frameworks that integrate both expert knowledge and public input, enhancing democratic decision-making beyond the constraints of specialized expertise. Complementing these perspectives, Burke \u0026amp; Wolf (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) argue that ethnographic research demonstrates how managers can create significant strategic value by developing customized strategy tools that not only facilitate collective problem-solving but also allow for \u0026lsquo;spin-off strategizing\u0026rsquo; and the identification of latent ambiguities within complex challenges. Moreover, Kirschke \u0026amp; Kosow (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) highlight the importance of designing adaptive policy mixes that are coherent, robust, and able to evolve in response to emerging environmental issues. Finally, Savaget et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) illustrate how adopting pragmatic action frameworks that prioritize incremental progress and foster experimental learning can drive sustained improvement when tackling persistent, multifaceted problems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn contrast, Turnbull \u0026amp; Hoppe (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) argue that 'wicked problems' do not represent a distinct ontological category requiring specialized research or solutions. Instead, unstructured or intractable problems should be addressed through practical judgment and the acceptance of long-term processes, offering partial solutions to managing political differences peacefully. Additionally, Bannink et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) suggest that collaborative governance may not be the most viable response to wicked problems. Their analysis concludes by presenting a double paradox of collaborative governance when dealing with wicked problems. Pesch \u0026amp; Vermaas (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) also argue that these dilemmas arise from the existing institutional setup, meaning that wicked problems cannot be resolved by simply improving administrative frameworks or methods.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking ahead, future research should focus on exploring adaptive governance models, innovative policy frameworks, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal challenges. This includes investigating the intersections of governance, sustainability, and policy innovation through empirical studies that test theoretical models in various contexts. Furthermore, there is a need to examine emerging concepts like super wicked problems and clumsy solutions, particularly in relation to climate change, public health, and social equity. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and embracing adaptive, participatory governance models, researchers and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of wicked problems and promote sustainable, resilient societies worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMehdi khosravi and Hasan Danaeefard wrote the main manuscript text and Mehdi khosravi prepared figures . All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlexander, B. N. (2020). 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Perceptions of policy problems. \u003cem\u003ePolicy and Society\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e38\u003c/em\u003e(2), 218\u0026ndash;236. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2019.1626595\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSavaget, P., Roulet, T., \u0026amp; Ventresca, M. (2024). Experimentation in Wicked Situations: How activists construct pragmatic action frames. \u003cem\u003eOrganization Studies\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e45\u003c/em\u003e(10), 1493\u0026ndash;1521. https://doi.org/10.1177/01708406241261460\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurnbull, N., \u0026amp; Hoppe, R. (2019). Problematizing \u0026lsquo;wickedness\u0026rsquo;: a critique of the wicked problems concept, from philosophy to practice. \u003cem\u003ePolicy and Society\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e38\u003c/em\u003e(2), 315\u0026ndash;337. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2018.1488796\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003evan der Waldt, G. (2014). Public administration teaching and interdisciplinarity: considering the consequences. \u003cem\u003eTeaching Public Administration\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e32\u003c/em\u003e(2), 169\u0026ndash;193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0144739414523285\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e "},{"header":"Flow diagram 1","content":"\u003cp\u003eFlow diagram 1 is available in the Supplementary Files section.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Wicked Problem, Public Policy, Policy Problems, Policy Design, Interdisciplinary Research, R Software","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6029432/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6029432/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eWicked problems have become a crucial area of study across various fields. This research offers an extensive bibliometric analysis of the literature surrounding wicked problems, aiming to clarify the intellectual framework and development of this research domain. By using the bibliometrix package in R software and VOSviewer, the study explores factors such as annual publication trends, author influence, source importance, and the historical progression of the field through citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and thematic mapping. The findings reveal an increasing acknowledgment of wicked problems in areas like public policy, environmental science, and governance, especially since the mid-2010s. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies key themes, such as governance, complexity, collaborative governance, and sustainability. Thematic clusters indicate a continuous focus on collaborative governance, public policy, sustainable development, and climate change, highlighting the immediate relevance of current global challenges. Emerging topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, green energy, and collaborative innovation, suggest a developing comprehension of the intricacies and urgency surrounding wicked problems. Furthermore, emerging concepts like super wicked problems, clumsy solutions, and joined-up government point to new paths for scholarly investigation, reflecting an adaptive response to modern global issues. Overall, the insights drawn from this bibliometric analysis provide a solid foundation for future research, offering valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners in formulating more holistic and effective approaches to address these urgent challenges.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"What do we know about wicked problems after nearly 52 years: A bibliometric analysis","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-02-17 11:38:04","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6029432/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"0b037da4-0aba-48a4-9082-fd03c3a14d23","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 17th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-18T01:53:45+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-02-17 11:38:04","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6029432","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6029432","identity":"rs-6029432","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}