Blockchain-Driven Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Trends, Contributions, and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Decentralized Finance (DeFi), powered by blockchain technology and smart contracts, has revolutionized the financial sector by enabling open, permissionless, and transparent financial services. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of DeFi research, exploring key trends, significant contributions, and thematic advancements. By examining research documents from the Scopus and Web of Science databases spanning 2000 to 2024, this study traces the evolution of DeFi, identifying influential scholarly works and shifting research paradigms. In addition to mapping the intellectual landscape of DeFi, this research provides critical insights into emerging directions and industry applications, contributing to a deeper understanding of its growth, challenges, and future potential within the blockchain-driven financial ecosystem.