Introduction. We investigate the most relevant innovation policy research themes, as well as the authors and journals that produce the most research in this field. Method. We used bibliometrics combining two main procedures: performance analysis and science mapping. Analysis. The 2,929 documents under analysis were gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection database considering all years up to and including 2019. Results. A wide range of bibliometric indicators were used to identify the most cited innovation policy studies, and the most productive and influential authors and journals. Also, bibliometric maps of keyword co-occurrence, authors co-citation and countries co-authorship were depicted to visualize relevant relationships. Conclusions. This study shows that the combination of bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping offers a tool for evaluators to complement qualitative analyses of a research field. We identified four main findings. First, the main innovation policy research themes are based on three pillars: innovation systems and business, science and knowledge, and governance and sustainability transitions. Second, the leading authors in innovation policy work at institutions in Europe. Third, authors working at institutions in countries with a common or similar language, culture or innovation policy tend to collaborate. Fourth, the top journals in innovation policy reveal an increasing influence of sustainable development and transitions within this field.
Four dangers in innovation policy studies – and how to avoid them