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Security vulnerability assessments for sustainable infrastructure: a scientometric review

Authors:
Wofai O. Ewa at University of Cross River State
Wofai O. Ewa
  • University of Cross River State
Onuegbu Ugwu at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
Onuegbu Ugwu
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Abstract and Figures

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.
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Vol.:(0123456789)
Environment, Development and Sustainability
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-025-06029-2
REVIEW
Security vulnerability assessments forsustainable
infrastructure: ascientometric review
Wofai O. Ewa1,2 · Onuegbu O. Ugwu3
Received: 8 September 2023 / Accepted: 27 January 2025
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025
Abstract
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 infra-
structure" 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 Haz-
ards. It uncovers underexplored areas such as the integration of GIS, artificial intelligence,
and digital twins into vulnerability assessments, positioning the research to tackle con-
temporary challenges, particularly climate change adaptation. These findings offer valu-
able 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 rap-
idly changing global context. This comprehensive knowledge mapping provides actionable
insights for policymakers, academics, and practitioners aiming to develop robust, sustain-
able infrastructure strategies.
Keywords Vulnerability assessment· Sustainable development· Infrastructure security·
Climate adaptation· Resilience· Scientometric analysis
* Wofai O. Ewa
wofaiewa@yahoo.com
1 Department ofCivil Engineering, Faculty ofEngineering, University ofCross River State,
Calabar, CrossRiverState, Nigeria
2 Construction Engineering, Project Management andSustainability Research Group, Department
ofCivil Engineering, Faculty ofEngineering, University ofCross River State, Calabar,
CrossRiverState, Nigeria
3 Department ofCivil Engineering, Faculty ofEngineering andTechnology, Alex Ekwueme Federal
University, Ndufu‐AlikeIkwo, EbonyiState, Nigeria
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