Unraveling the trends in business process management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of management and business literature

Purpose This study aims to analyze international scientific production from 1960 to 2023 on business process management (BPM), highlighting the latest trends in BPM in the field of management and business during the 21st century. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 729 BPM articles from management and business journals using the SCOPUS database and VOSviewer software to map the scholarly landscape. Findings Nearly 45% of the papers were published between 2018 and 2023, prominently featuring the Business Process Management Journal. The University of São Paulo and Queensland University of Technology were the most prolific institutions. Significant emerging trends identified include Strategic Management, Digital Transformation, and IoT. Author Röglinger was noted for the highest publication rate. Research limitations/implications The analysis was restricted to journal articles from one database, potentially overlooking insights from conferences, books, and other formats. Practical implications The study highlights the significant benefits of integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence and IoT in BPM, improving operational efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation in adaptability and service personalization. Social implications Technological advancements in BPM could enhance employment, require new skills, support a sustainable economy, and improve organizational transparency and service accessibility, bolstering corporate social responsibility and inclusion. Originality/value This research offers a unique overview of the integration of emerging technologies in BPM, shedding light on their strategic and social implications, and providing critical insights for optimizing processes and fostering business innovation.