SCHOLARLY TRENDS AND EMERGING THEMES IN ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the academic landscape of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), focusing on research trends, influential contributions and emerging themes from 2020 to 2025. Using the Scopus database, 196 journal articles published in English across subject areas such as sociology, business, economics and psychology were analysed. The results reveal a steady growth in research output, highlighting increasing global interest in ODR technologies and practices. Key research areas include technology integration in dispute resolution, cross-border mediation and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing procedural efficiency. Citation analysis identified seminal works on AI-powered ODR platforms and legal frameworks for cross-jurisdictional disputes as highly influential. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted themes such as “digital mediation,” “access to justice,” and “cybersecurity.” The findings also point to a rising emphasis on integrating advanced technologies into ODR systems, reflecting the field's dynamic evolution. However, limitations of this study include reliance on a single database and exclusion of non-English literature, potentially limiting the scope of the findings. Future research should explore underrepresented themes such as cultural sensitivity in ODR, its application in emerging economies and the ethical implications of AI-driven dispute resolution. These areas offer valuable opportunities to enhance both the theoretical understanding and practical applications of ODR in the modern digital era.