Profit in the Loop: A Scientometric and Knowledge-Mapping Analysis of Circular Economy–Driven Financial Impacts in Manufacturing

The transition from a linear to a circular economy (CE) has become increasingly important for the manufacturing sector amid climate pressures, resource scarcity, and rising production costs. However, research on the financial value generated by CE remains fragmented and insufficiently mapped. This study conducts a scientometric analysis of Web of Science publications from 2018 to 2025 using CiteSpace, applying citation, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence techniques to examine publication performance, collaboration patterns, intellectual foundations, and emerging trends related to CE’s financial impacts in manufacturing. Findings show a sharp rise in publications beginning in 2021, peaking in 2023–2024, indicating a shift from conceptual debate to empirical assessment of financial outcomes. Country and institutional networks remain relatively loose but form stable clusters, with India, China, and England emerging as major contributors and knowledge brokers. Document co-citation analysis identifies six clusters centred on digital capabilities, Industry 4.0, green innovation, and circular supply chains. Keyword analysis highlights four mega-trends: digital circularity, circular supply chains, business model transition, and green finance. Building on these trajectories, future research should prioritise data-driven CE, green finance for sustainable performance, and open-innovation ecosystems that enhance resource efficiency and strengthen CE implementation.