Technological Transformation Research: Thematic Evolution Analysis With Consistent Impact Rank Aggregation (CIRA)

We analyse the evolving literature on technological transformation (1966–2021), offering a systematic and holistic overview of its multi-dimensional and multi-level nature. Using bibliographic performance analysis, science mapping, and thematic evolution analysis, we map the field’s intellectual structure and thematic development. To strengthen performance evaluation of themes, we introduce Consistent Impact Rank Aggregation (CIRA), a conceptually novel, parametric rank-based method with an explicit and adaptable consistency filter, designed to highlight recurrent top-performing units across multiple metrics. Our findings reveal a unifying contemporary structure of the technological transformation field comprising two core streams: (i) firm-level technological capabilities development and learning processes for competitive advantage and catching up in latecomer firms, and (ii) technological upgrading and convergence through knowledge spillovers at national and sectoral levels. Over three decades (1991–2021), the field has evolved through exploratory, expansion, consolidation, and convergence phases, gradually integrating fragmented research into a more cohesive and conceptually mature body of knowledge. This process is marked by increasing thematic convergence, evolving content and importance of themes, and shifting conceptual drivers. In the convergence phase (2016–2021), the technological transformation centres on innovation and technological change topics, with emerging emphasis on technology upgrading and innovation policy, specialisation in Industry 4.0-led technological performance, and is driven by technology diffusion, technological capabilities, and dynamic capabilities themes. CIRA results further confirm that the field’s adaptive core has been consistently sustained by technology diffusion, technological capabilities, and innovation across three decades. This implies diffusion-oriented policy should build firms’ absorptive capacity.