TY - JOUR T1 - Mapping Two Decades of Construction Risk Management: A Scientometric Study of Global Trends, Gaps, and Thematic Evolution TT - Mapping Two Decades of Construction Risk Management: A Scientometric Study of Global Trends, Gaps, and Thematic Evolution AU - Varolgüneş, Sadık PY - 2025 DA - November Y2 - 2025 DO - 10.34248/bsengineering.1734348 JF - Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science JO - BSJ Eng. Sci. PB - Karyay Karadeniz Yayımcılık Ve Organizasyon Ticaret Limited Şirketi WT - DergiPark SN - 2619-8991 SP - 1943 EP - 1956 VL - 8 IS - 6 LA - en AB - This study conducts an original, data-driven bibliometric investigation into the evolution of construction risk management (CRM) research between 2002 and 2024. Drawing on a dataset of 778 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, the study utilizes VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to empirically map publication trends, thematic clusters, and regional distributions. A key contribution of the research is the development of a four-phase thematic evolution model that illustrates the transition from conventional risk classification approaches to integrated frameworks incorporating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The analysis reveals three dominant thematic axes: methodological innovations in risk assessment, technological advancement in digital integration, and socio-political dynamics in stakeholder governance. Despite the increasing academic emphasis on data-driven approaches, persistent regional disparities and implementation gaps remain, particularly in underrepresented regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study also uncovers the fragmented integration of ESG dimensions across literature, suggesting the need for more coherent and context-sensitive risk models. By offering a longitudinal and spatial synthesis of global knowledge production, this research enhances our understanding of how CRM has evolved and where critical research gaps persist. The findings aim to inform future efforts toward inclusive, resilient, and adaptable risk management strategies in the construction sector. KW - ESG integration KW - Risk perception KW - Thematic mapping KW - Regional disparities KW - Stakeholder governance KW - Construction sector N2 - This study conducts an original, data-driven bibliometric investigation into the evolution of construction risk management (CRM) research between 2002 and 2024. Drawing on a dataset of 778 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, the study utilizes VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to empirically map publication trends, thematic clusters, and regional distributions. A key contribution of the research is the development of a four-phase thematic evolution model that illustrates the transition from conventional risk classification approaches to integrated frameworks incorporating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The analysis reveals three dominant thematic axes: methodological innovations in risk assessment, technological advancement in digital integration, and socio-political dynamics in stakeholder governance. Despite the increasing academic emphasis on data-driven approaches, persistent regional disparities and implementation gaps remain, particularly in underrepresented regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study also uncovers the fragmented integration of ESG dimensions across literature, suggesting the need for more coherent and context-sensitive risk models. 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