RESEARCH TREND ON EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING (ERP) FOR MAJOR HAZARD INDUSTRIES

Abstract

Emergency Response Planning (ERP) for major hazard industries has gained critical global attention due to the increasing frequency and severity of industrial accidents, natural disasters, and complex emergencies. Despite its significance, the academic landscape on this topic remains fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of existing research trends and intellectual structures. This study aims to bridge that gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 1,291 relevant publications indexed in the Scopus database. Using Scopus Analyzer for data extraction, OpenRefine for data cleaning and normalization, and VOSviewer for visualization and network mapping, we systematically explored publication trends, prolific authors, leading countries, top-cited papers, and thematic clusters. The results demonstrate a significant growth in publications from 2015 to 2024, with China and the United States (US) emerging as the most productive contributors. Key research themes include logistics and resource optimization, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) deployment for emergency operations, multi-criteria decision-making frameworks, and the integration of artificial intelligence in response planning. Highly cited works reflect a strong interest in both technological advancements and policy-driven approaches. Furthermore, co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence networks reveal strong regional collaboration patterns and evolving research foci over time. This study highlights the interdisciplinary nature and expanding scope of ERP, emphasizing the need for greater international collaboration and integration of emerging technologies. In conclusion, this bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the development, current state, and future directions of research in ERP for major hazard industries. It also serves as a foundational reference for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike.