Figure 7
The thematic evolution map shows the development of research themes across four time periods: 1984 to 1994, 1995 to 2004, 2005 to 2014, and 2015 to 2025. Each panel is divided into four quadrants representing Niche Themes, Motor Themes, Emerging or Declining Themes, and Basic Themes according to relevance degree and development degree. During 1984 to 1994, themes include Cooperation, Alliance, Game, Performance, Marketing Strategy, Opportunism, Contracts, Assets, T C E, Power, Technology, B B Relationship, Competition, and Efficiency. During 1995 to 2004, B B Relationship and T C E appear as dominant basic themes, while Supply Chain Technology and Service-related topics emerge. During 2005 to 2014, major themes include B B Relationship, Trust, Opportunism, Governance, Contracts, T C E Theory, Networks, and Supply Chain Management. During 2015 to 2025, B B Relationship and Opportunism dominate as central themes, while Performance, Innovation, Theory, Chain Supply, and Disruption occupy more specialised or emerging positions. Bubble size reflects theme prominence within each period.Temporal assessment of time periods
Note(s): The size and color of nodes represent the frequency and significance of themes. Niche (upper left): well-established themes with limited research activity; not central to the field. Motor (upper right): high-growth research areas that are driving research. Emerging or declining (bottom left): emerging themes with initial interest or declining relevance. Basic (bottom right): foundational themes, providing background for future research, though not highly active
Source: Biblioshiny