# From Transactions to Transformations: A Bibliometric Study on Technology Convergence in E-Payments
## 4 Result Analysis
### Descriptive Analysis
The term \"environments\" suggests broadening research to include the ecosystems in which e-payments operate, including regulatory, economic, and technological environments. Figure 4: Most relevant sources. Throughout the timeline in Figure 5a, the fluctuating size of the topics suggests the changing intensity of research activity. This analysis captures the evolution of e-payment technology research as it transitions from foundational technological issues to more complex socioeconomic and organizational concerns. The size and timing of the bubbles reflect the historical context of e-payment evolution, such as the internet becoming mainstream, the establishment of online businesses, and the development of legal frameworks for online transactions. 2008-2010 (Early Years): \"Mobile payment\" starts to appear, which likely corresponds with the advent of smartphones and the beginning of mobile payment solutions. \"E-commerce\" and \"Consumer web use\" reflect the ongoing growth of online shopping and the need for secure payment methods. Figure 5: (**a**) Trend topics: 1990–2008. (**b**) Trend topics: 2008–2024. 2011-2013 (Expansion Period): \"Social media\" and \"Information systems performance\" suggest an exploration of social platforms as marketplaces and the efficiency of information systems supporting e-payments. \"Internet management\" becomes more prominent, possibly due to the increasing complexity and scale of online transactions. 2014-2016 (Consolidation and Growth): \"User acceptance\" and \"Trust\" gain focus, indicating a concern with the adoption of e-payment systems and the need for building trust in digital transactions. \"Online behavior\" and \"Service innovation\" trends suggest a shift toward understanding user interactions and the introduction of novel e-payment services. 2017-2019 (Technological Advancements): \"Fintech\" emerges, reflecting the rise of technology-driven financial services and a shift in how consumers and businesses interact with finances. \"Blockchain\" research increases, aligning with the interest in cryptocurrencies and secure, decentralized ledger systems. 2020-2022 (Pandemic and Beyond): A significant spike in \"COVID-19\"-related research shows the pandemic's impact on e-payments, likely due to the increased need for contactless payments and digital financial solutions. \"Higher education\" possibly indicates a focus on e-payments in the context of online education platforms, which saw a surge due to remote learning. 2023-2024 (Latest Trends): \"Mobile payment acceptance\" and \"Continuance intention\" suggest a research focus on the long-term use and integration of mobile payments in daily transactions. \"P2P (peer-to-peer) systems\" indicates a sustained interest in decentralized financial transactions. Throughout the timeline in the current trends in Figure 5b, we see an evolution from basic e-commerce and web usage topics to more sophisticated concepts such as blockchain and fintech. This shift mirrors the broader digital transformation in society, with a move towards integrated, user-focused, and secure e-payment solutions. The timeline also reflects the impact of global events (like the COVID-19 pandemic) on research directions and the increasing importance of mobile platforms in financial transactions. In summary, this analysis encapsulates the dynamic nature of e-payment research, highlighting how global events, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior shape academic focus. The progression from foundational technologies to complex systems and the recent emphasis on mobile and P2P systems underscores the rapid innovation and adaptation within the field, signaling a future where e-payments could become even more seamless and integrated into everyday life.