A bibliometric analysis of trends in SAGO product research (2015–2025)

Abstract Sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is a traditional staple food and a strategic bioresource with growing relevance in Southeast Asia’s transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of sago product research published between 2015 and 2025 to examine research growth, key contributors, and evolving thematic trends. The analysis is based on 99 English-language journal articles, conference papers, and reviews indexed in the Scopus database. Bibliometric methods were used to map publication trends, leading institutions, key outlets, and research themes using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny. This approach is well-suited for sago research because of its interdisciplinary nature, covering food science, agriculture, environmental science, and bioenergy. The results reveal a notable increase in research output after 2019, reaching a peak in 2023, which reflects rising scientific interest in sago-based applications for food technology, bioenergy, biomaterials, and environmental sustainability. The IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science emerged as the most productive outlet, highlighting the role of conference proceedings in disseminating emerging research. Contributions were predominantly from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesian institutions, with Malaysia also playing a significant role.Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals dominant themes, including sago starch, bioenergy, bioplastics, and genetic diversity, indicating a shift from traditional processing studies toward sustainability-oriented innovations. Overall, the findings underscore the increasing scientific recognition of sago’s potential to support sustainable production systems and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).