Global Trends in Lateral Thinking: Bibliometric Study of Growth, Collaboration, and Applications

Lateral thinking is a non-linear thinking approach that is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for fostering creativity and problem-solving across various disciplines. This study aims to analyze global trends, author contributions, scientific collaborations, and thematic evolution within the lateral thinking literature during the period 2014–2024. The methodology employed is a bibliometric analysis based on data from Scopus, utilizing a quantitative approach and network visualization through VOSviewer to map keywords, thematic clusters, and interconceptual relationships. The findings reveal a significant increase in publications since 2018, with notable contributions from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Indonesia. Dominant keywords such as creativity, problem solving, and innovation form clusters that highlight the central role of lateral thinking in the development of innovative solutions in education, technology, health, and management. The study also uncovers strong associations between lateral thinking and AI-based as well as neurobiological approaches, expanding its applicability to advanced technologies and human cognitive understanding. These findings underscore the importance of lateral thinking as a strategic framework for addressing complex global challenges and open up opportunities for future multidisciplinary research.