# From Transactions to Transformations: A Bibliometric Study on Technology Convergence in E-Payments
## 1 Introduction  
In the era of rapid digital transformation, electronic payment (e-payment) technology has emerged as a cornerstone of modern financial infrastructure. The convergence of key digital technologies--including mobile communication, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and near-field communication (NFC)--has led to the evolution of e-payment systemsthat are more secure, efficient, and user-centric [1, 2], reflecting a paradigm shift in digital finance driven by growing expectations for speed, transparency, convenience, and trust [2, 3]. As e-payment systems increasingly support not only daily financial transactions but also broader economic inclusion goals, understanding their convergent evolution is vital.  
For instance, integrating blockchain technology into e-payment systems offers a paradigm shift toward decentralized, transparent, and secure transaction mechanisms that challenge conventional banking models [1]. Likewise, the integration of AI and machine learning enhances fraud detection and customer interaction through real-time, predictive analytics [2]. NFC technology, which enables contactless transactions, gained even greater relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic [3, 4].  
Despite these advantages, technological convergence in e-payments introduces significant challenges. Interoperability barriers, data privacy concerns, and inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks across regions hinder the standardized deployment of converged systems [5]. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological innovation often surpasses the readiness of existing institutional structures to adapt.  
This convergence also poses risks related to digital inequality and financial exclusion. Although convergent technologies have the potential to expand financial access, they may exacerbate the digital divide if issues of affordability, infrastructure, or user literacy are not adequately addressed [6, 7]. These multifaceted concerns call for a systematic, theory-driven investigation of convergence phenomena within the e-payment landscape.  
To address this, the present study investigates how technological convergence shapes the development, adoption, and performance of e-payment systems, particularly in relation to key stakeholders such as consumers, financial institutions, and regulators. A bibliometric approach is employed to uncover emerging themes and structural patterns in the literature, offering a data-driven perspective on the evolution of the e-payment domain.  
This study differs from prior works focusing on singular technologies--such as blockchain [1], mobile payments [8], or AI [2]--by adopting a comprehensive perspective that reveals the synergies and challenges arising from their convergence.  
This research is guided by two primary questions:  
RQ1: Which technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain, NFC) most frequently co-occur and form dominant convergence patterns in e-payment literature (2000-2023)?  
RQ2: How does technological convergence impact security, system interoperability, and financial inclusion in diverse institutional and geographic contexts?  
By uncovering interrelations among technological trends, user behaviors, and policy contexts, this study aims to bridge a critical knowledge gap and offer strategic insights for advancing inclusive, secure, and future-ready digital financial ecosystems.