Security vulnerability assessments for sustainable infrastructure: a scientometric review

Security vulnerability assessments are crucial for the sustainable development of critical infrastructure amid intensifying global environmental and socio-economic challenges. This study employs a scientometric analysis of 247 bibliographic records from the Web of Science database (2002–2022) to explore research trends and developments. A novel contribution is the mapping of research priorities before and after the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declaration, illustrating a shift from "critical infrastructure" to "resilience," a perspective not comprehensively addressed in prior reviews. Using CiteSpace, the study identifies key research clusters, collaborative networks, and keyword evolutions, providing a robust, quantitative depiction of the field’s intellectual structure. The research highlights the significant roles of the USA, Italy, and China, and the influence of journals like Reliability Engineering and System Safety and Natural Hazards. It uncovers underexplored areas such as the integration of GIS, artificial intelligence, and digital twins into vulnerability assessments, positioning the research to tackle contemporary challenges, particularly climate change adaptation. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of infrastructure sustainability and resilience. The study emphasizes the necessity of cross-disciplinary collaborations and innovations, guiding future research and policy-making to strengthen infrastructure protection in a rapidly changing global context. This comprehensive knowledge mapping provides actionable insights for policymakers, academics, and practitioners aiming to develop robust, sustainable infrastructure strategies.