Articles

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

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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.

Research Trends in Islamic-Based Mathematics Education: Global Studies and Academic Collaboration Networks

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This study analyzes global trends and collaboration in mathematics education research during the 2014–2024 period using a bibliometric approach. The findings indicate a significant increase in the number of publications, peaking in 2020 before stabilizing in recent years. Indonesia and Malaysia have been the primary contributors, with increasing involvement from other countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. International collaboration has expanded, marked by a growing academic network and contributions from major institutions such as Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and Universitas Syiah Kuala. The study also identifies a thematic shift from traditional pedagogical approaches toward integration with STEM, technology, and international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. Furthermore, the collaborative network among researchers reveals that certain academics, such as S. Huda and M. Broer, have had a significant influence on the research community. These findings underscore the importance of cross-national and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation and enhancing the effectiveness of mathematics education globally. Thus, this research provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and education practitioners in developing more inclusive and sustainable strategies for mathematics education research and teaching.