Trends in Corporate Environmental Compliance Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2024)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

Amid the global energy crisis and climate change, corporate environmental compliance has become a key focus of regulation and academic interest as the authors have stated. It is crucial for relieving regulatory pressure, promoting green innovations, and fostering sustainable development. However, comprehensive reviews and bibliometric analyses in this area are lacking or are not conclusive.

To address this gap the study analyzed 851 papers indexed in the WoS's SSCI and SCI from 2004 to 2024. The authors used visualization tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace to conduct a multidimensional bibliometric analysis and systematic review. The core authors identified included Aseem, Ntim, and Zeng, while high-productivity countries included China, the USA, and the UK. Key journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability were also identified. The study revealed central research themes of environmental information disclosure, innovation, and environmental management systems. Additionally, burst analysis highlighted emerging hot topics such as ecological and green innovation and the relationship between Total Factor Productivity and environmental regulations. 

The authors utilized the Prisma method and analyzed quantitatively using an equation. They also employed CiteSpace and VosViewer software to analyze the results.

 Some limitations are correctly stated in the article, but artificial intelligence software seems to have added a future research section that I strongly recommend changing.

 

I consider the article suitable to be published after some minor changes:

-       When considering limitations, it's important to note that bibliometric analysis is constrained by the databases utilized and the specific keywords chosen for the search. The selection of databases can impact the precision and inclusiveness of the search results due to variations in coverage and indexing methods across different databases.

-       The inclusion of Table 4 and Table 5 as annexes at the end of the research is recommended.

-       Future Research Directions Section must be reorganized.

 

Success!

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor spelling errors.

Author Response

We feel great thanks for your professional review work on our article. As you are concerned, there are several problems that need to be addressed. According to your nice suggestions, we have made extensive corrections to our previous draft, the detailed corrections are listed below.

Comments 1: Amid the global energy crisis and climate change, corporate environmental compliance has become a key focus of regulation and academic interest as the authors have stated. It is crucial for relieving regulatory pressure, promoting green innovations, and fostering sustainable development. However, comprehensive reviews and bibliometric analyses in this area are lacking or are not conclusive.

To address this gap the study analyzed 851 papers indexed in the WoS's SSCI and SCI from 2004 to 2024. The authors used visualization tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace to conduct a multidimensional bibliometric analysis and systematic review. The core authors identified included Aseem, Ntim, and Zeng, while high-productivity countries included China, the USA, and the UK. Key journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability were also identified. The study revealed central research themes of environmental information disclosure, innovation, and environmental management systems. Additionally, burst analysis highlighted emerging hot topics such as ecological and green innovation and the relationship between Total Factor Productivity and environmental regulations.

The authors utilized the Prisma method and analyzed quantitatively using an equation. They also employed CiteSpace and VosViewer software to analyze the results.

 Some limitations are correctly stated in the article, but artificial intelligence software seems to have added a future research section that I strongly recommend changing.

I consider the article suitable to be published after some minor changes:

Response 1: We appreciate your thorough review of our paper and the constructive suggestions for improving its overall quality. We sincerely accept your recommendations and have made corresponding revisions to the paper. Below, we will address each of your suggestions in detail.

Comments 2:  When considering limitations, it's important to note that bibliometric analysis is constrained by the databases utilized and the specific keywords chosen for the search. The selection of databases can impact the precision and inclusiveness of the search results due to variations in coverage and indexing methods across different databases.

Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. In response, we have supplemented the limitations section to address how the databases and specific search strategies used might affect the precision and inclusiveness of the search results. The revised content is as follows (Corresponding to lines 731-734 in the article):

6.2. Limitation

In exploring the dynamics and development of the corporate environmental compliance field, this study faces certain limitations due to various objective factors. Firstly, due to the high standards required by bibliometric analysis software, this research only included journal articles indexed in the Web of Science's SSCI and SCI databases, excluding other databases and non-journal publications such as conference papers and reviews. This selection may have overlooked some significant scientific research and unique insights within the field of corporate environmental compliance. Secondly, In conducting the bibliometric analysis, specific databases and keyword search strategies were utilized. Considering the varying coverage and indexing methods of different databases, the choice of database can impact the precision and inclusiveness of the search results.Thirdly, this study covers only publications since 2004, failing to include earlier literature, which limits the depth of historical exploration. Lastly, although professional software was used for quantitative bibliometric analysis to ensure objectivity, the analysis and interpretation of data inevitably carry some subjective bias, which cannot completely eliminate the impact of subjectivity on the results.

Comments 3: The inclusion of Table 4 and Table 5 as annexes at the end of the research is recommended.

Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this suggestion. We have moved Tables 4 and 5 to the appendix at the end of the document to ensure overall coherence and enhance the readability of the main text.Accordingly, we have adjusted the numbering of the other tables in the article (Corresponding to lines 861-866 in the article).

Comments 4:Future Research Directions Section must be reorganized.

Response 4: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Based on your suggestions, we have made significant revisions to the "Future Research Directions" section. The main changes are as follows (Corresponding to lines 763-842 in the article):

Firstly, we have combined bibliometric results to provide a detailed analysis of future research themes and explained the specific reasons for proposing these research suggestions. Secondly, we have supported the discussion and argumentation of each theme with more literature references. Finally, we have adjusted the number of future research themes by removing the topic "Development of sustainability and environmental compliance standards." Further literature searches revealed that this topic is already well-researched and mostly related to compliance regulation, which can be included in other research themes. After careful consideration, we decided it does not need to be presented as a separate theme. The specific revisions to this section are as follows:

• Research on digitization and environmental compliance: With the rapid advancement of technology, the use of digital tools and data analysis to support environmental protection compliance has become increasingly important in recent years, drawing significant scholarly attention. Scholars have proposed that digital transformation can help companies overcome resource barriers and promote green innovation in corporate environmental governance [119].In terms of supply chain environmental management, as interdependencies among companies grow, firms are not only obligated to fulfill their own societal and environmental responsibilities but also to address social and ecological issues within the actions of their suppliers and secondary suppliers. Addressing challenges to enhance transparency, traceability, and compliance with standards in supply chain environmental governance necessitates a deeper exploration of the roles of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in monitoring and reporting supplier environmental information [120].At the governmental and societal oversight level, Digital Government Transformation (DGT) represents a significant reform towards modern governance, providing new models for managing corporate environmental pollution and advancing sustainable development goals [121]. In the digital age, the evolution of media into digital platforms has further enhanced its role in overseeing and prompting corporate environmental compliance governance [122].The comprehensive and profound impact of digital development on social progress underscores the need for scholars to further expand research on the relationship between digitization and corporate environmental compliance. Such research not only enhances our understanding of current environmental compliance mechanisms but also introduces innovative methods to enhance corporate environmental governance.
• Research on multi-Stakeholder participation mechanisms: Faced with increasingly severe environmental issues, corporate environmental compliance governance is evolving towards a governance model involving multiple stakeholders. Within the framework of government, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the public participating together in environmental governance, there is a need for comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the responsibilities, roles, and interaction modes of each stakeholder in the environmental compliance process, focusing on how collaborative efforts can achieve environmental goals. For instance, ongoing attention should be given to the design and assessment of environmental impact indicators for multiple stakeholders [123].In recent years, Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as private governance mechanisms [124]. They play a crucial role in managing global business activities and their social and environmental consequences, aiming to enhance the social and environmental sustainability of global supply chains. However, MSIs face various challenges in practice, such as limited participation from marginalized stakeholders, subjective biases towards corporate interests, and insufficient effectiveness in their role as regulatory bodies [28].Future research should focus on deepening discussions on the effectiveness of MSIs. For example, studying how to enhance the involvement of weaker stakeholders in decision-making processes and optimizing their participation levels could significantly improve the governance outcomes [125]. Research on these topics contributes to a thorough analysis of stakeholder participation in corporate environmental compliance governance processes and the potential synergistic effects of their collaboration.
• Cost-benefit analysis of corporate environmental compliance:Considering the considerations of corporate governance costs, discussions on environmental compliance should not overlook its economic aspects. Existing research has highlighted the role of compliance in enhancing economic benefits and social value for businesses [126–128]. However, this area of research remains underrepresented in the overall research landscape, underscoring the continued significance of addressing this issue. Furthermore, only a few scholars have delved into how external pressures from legal, social, and economic dimensions, as well as internal policies and corporate culture, influence cost-benefit analyses at the individual level, and have systematically explored the balance between corporate environmental compliance and over-compliance [129].Future research should focus on a deeper analysis of the economic impacts of implementing environmental compliance strategies, including costs, savings, and long-term benefits. Additionally, studies should examine economic incentives and potential returns for companies adopting proactive environmental strategies, providing economic rationale for advancing environmental measures. Moreover, attention should be given to the series of impacts that over-compliance may have on companies and industries.
• Impact of political and regulatory environments on corporate compliance:The Impact of Political and Regulatory Environments on Corporate Environmental Compliance: Through bibliometric analysis, we have found that existing research primarily focuses on the influence of domestic political and regulatory environments on corporate environmental compliance strategies, encompassing aspects such as environmental performance, environmental disclosure, and environmental investments [130-132]. In recent years, with ongoing adjustments in international political climates and regulatory frameworks, the environmental strategies and behaviors of multinational corporations have also been correspondingly affected. Scholars are increasingly examining the interplay between environmental governance and international political and regulatory environments, including the impact of globalization on the environmental performance of multinational corporations [133], and the linkages between environmental regulatory intensity and foreign direct investment [134].In future research, it would be beneficial to delve deeper into the specific impacts of different political and legal environments on corporate environmental compliance policies. Additionally, studying how companies adjust their environmental compliance strategies in response to changes in political climates would be insightful.

Comments 5:Comments on the Quality of English Language：Minor spelling errors.

Response 5: Thank you for pointing this out. We have carefully proofread the entire document again and made corrections to some spelling errors.

Thanks for your recognition and sincere comments. With your help, we have a more quality paper, and your comments inspired us greatly. Again, thanks for your kindness.

With best regards,

Tiancheng Chi and Zheng Yang

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I appreciate the opportunity to review this article on Corporate Environmental Compliance Research trends, between 2004 and 2024, through a bibliometric analysis.

The work addresses a topic whose interest has grown exponentially among academics and mainly in organizations to avoid legal penalties and promote sustainable business practices.

Regarding the method used, the work is well structured, correctly applies bibliometric tools and presents their results.

These types of studies are essential to understanding trends and identifying future research. So, the abstract should be more specific regarding existing gaps in the current research landscape and potential research directions.

Although the study is based on bibliometric analysis, a discussion section must report the bibliometric results with the systematic review, justifying (supported through the literature) and highlighting future research directions. In other words, in my opinion, the recommendations proposed to inspire and encourage more researchers to engage deeply in corporate environmental compliance, presented in the last section of the article, should be more deeply discussed and supported.

 

Good luck with your publication in the Sustainability Journal.

Author Response

We feel great thanks for your professional review work on our article. As you are concerned, there are several problems that need to be addressed. According to your nice suggestions, we have made extensive corrections to our previous draft, the detailed corrections are listed below.

Comments 1: I appreciate the opportunity to review this article on Corporate Environmental Compliance Research trends, between 2004 and 2024, through a bibliometric analysis.

The work addresses a topic whose interest has grown exponentially among academics and mainly in organizations to avoid legal penalties and promote sustainable business practices.

Regarding the method used, the work is well structured, correctly applies bibliometric tools and presents their results.

Response 1: We appreciate your thorough review of our paper and the constructive suggestions for improving its overall quality. We sincerely accept your recommendations and have made corresponding revisions to the paper. Below, we will address each of your suggestions in detail.

Comments 2: These types of studies are essential to understanding trends and identifying future research. So, the abstract should be more specific regarding existing gaps in the current research landscape and potential research directions.

Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.Based on your insightful suggestions, we have supplemented this section in the abstract: We identified gaps and deficiencies in current research and proposed topics for future scholars to explore. The specific revisions in the article are as follows (Corresponding to lines 21-28 in the article):

Abstract: Against the backdrop of the global energy crisis and climate change, corporate environmental compliance has emerged as a key aspect of environmental regulation and a focal point of academic interest. It plays a crucial role in alleviating regulatory pressure, enabling green innovations, enhancing performance, and fostering sustainable development. Despite extensive research in the field, comprehensive reviews and bibliometric analyses remain scarce. To address this gap, this study meticulously analyzed 851 papers indexed in the WoS's SSCI and SCI from 2004 to 2024. Using visualization tools like VOSviewer and CiteSpace, it conducted a multidimensional bibliometric analysis and systematic review, identifying core authors such as Aseem, Ntim, and Zeng, high-productivity countries including China, the USA, and the UK, and key journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability. Keywords co-occurrence and cluster analysis revealed central research themes of environmental information disclosure, innovation, and environmental management systems. Burst analysis highlighted emerging hot topics, notably ecological and green innovation, and the interplay between Total Factor Productivity and environmental regulations. Additionally, we identified several critical gaps in the field. For instance, research on corporate environmental governance mechanisms in the context of digital transformation remains insufficient. Furthermore, the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder collaborative governance frameworks requires ongoing investigation. Therefore, we encourage future researchers to focus on the following topics: digitization and environmental compliance, multi-stakeholder participation mechanisms, cost-benefit analysis of corporate environmental compliance, and the impact of political and regulatory environments on corporate environmental compliance.

Comments 3: Although the study is based on bibliometric analysis, a discussion section must report the bibliometric results with the systematic review, justifying (supported through the literature) and highlighting future research directions. In other words, in my opinion, the recommendations proposed to inspire and encourage more researchers to engage deeply in corporate environmental compliance, presented in the last section of the article, should be more deeply discussed and supported.

Good luck with your publication in the Sustainability Journal.

Response 3:Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Based on your suggestions, we have made significant revisions to the "Future Research Directions" section. The main changes are as follows(Corresponding to lines 763-842 in the article):

Firstly, we have combined bibliometric results to provide a detailed analysis of future research themes and explained the specific reasons for proposing these research suggestions. Secondly, we have supported the discussion and argumentation of each theme with more literature references. Finally, we have adjusted the number of future research themes by removing the topic "Development of sustainability and environmental compliance standards." Further literature searches revealed that this topic is already well-researched and mostly related to compliance regulation, which can be included in other research themes. After careful consideration, we decided it does not need to be presented as a separate theme. The specific revisions to this section are as follows:

• Research on digitization and environmental compliance: With the rapid advancement of technology, the use of digital tools and data analysis to support environmental protection compliance has become increasingly important in recent years, drawing significant scholarly attention. Scholars have proposed that digital transformation can help companies overcome resource barriers and promote green innovation in corporate environmental governance [119].In terms of supply chain environmental management, as interdependencies among companies grow, firms are not only obligated to fulfill their own societal and environmental responsibilities but also to address social and ecological issues within the actions of their suppliers and secondary suppliers. Addressing challenges to enhance transparency, traceability, and compliance with standards in supply chain environmental governance necessitates a deeper exploration of the roles of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in monitoring and reporting supplier environmental information [120].At the governmental and societal oversight level, Digital Government Transformation (DGT) represents a significant reform towards modern governance, providing new models for managing corporate environmental pollution and advancing sustainable development goals [121]. In the digital age, the evolution of media into digital platforms has further enhanced its role in overseeing and prompting corporate environmental compliance governance [122].The comprehensive and profound impact of digital development on social progress underscores the need for scholars to further expand research on the relationship between digitization and corporate environmental compliance. Such research not only enhances our understanding of current environmental compliance mechanisms but also introduces innovative methods to enhance corporate environmental governance.
• Research on multi-Stakeholder participation mechanisms: Faced with increasingly severe environmental issues, corporate environmental compliance governance is evolving towards a governance model involving multiple stakeholders. Within the framework of government, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the public participating together in environmental governance, there is a need for comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the responsibilities, roles, and interaction modes of each stakeholder in the environmental compliance process, focusing on how collaborative efforts can achieve environmental goals. For instance, ongoing attention should be given to the design and assessment of environmental impact indicators for multiple stakeholders [123].In recent years, Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as private governance mechanisms [124]. They play a crucial role in managing global business activities and their social and environmental consequences, aiming to enhance the social and environmental sustainability of global supply chains. However, MSIs face various challenges in practice, such as limited participation from marginalized stakeholders, subjective biases towards corporate interests, and insufficient effectiveness in their role as regulatory bodies [28].Future research should focus on deepening discussions on the effectiveness of MSIs. For example, studying how to enhance the involvement of weaker stakeholders in decision-making processes and optimizing their participation levels could significantly improve the governance outcomes [125]. Research on these topics contributes to a thorough analysis of stakeholder participation in corporate environmental compliance governance processes and the potential synergistic effects of their collaboration.
• Cost-benefit analysis of corporate environmental compliance: Considering the considerations of corporate governance costs, discussions on environmental compliance should not overlook its economic aspects. Existing research has highlighted the role of compliance in enhancing economic benefits and social value for businesses [126–128]. However, this area of research remains underrepresented in the overall research landscape, underscoring the continued significance of addressing this issue. Furthermore, only a few scholars have delved into how external pressures from legal, social, and economic dimensions, as well as internal policies and corporate culture, influence cost-benefit analyses at the individual level, and have systematically explored the balance between corporate environmental compliance and over-compliance [129].Future research should focus on a deeper analysis of the economic impacts of implementing environmental compliance strategies, including costs, savings, and long-term benefits. Additionally, studies should examine economic incentives and potential returns for companies adopting proactive environmental strategies, providing economic rationale for advancing environmental measures. Moreover, attention should be given to the series of impacts that over-compliance may have on companies and industries.
• Impact of political and regulatory environments on corporate compliance: The Impact of Political and Regulatory Environments on Corporate Environmental Compliance: Through bibliometric analysis, we have found that existing research primarily focuses on the influence of domestic political and regulatory environments on corporate environmental compliance strategies, encompassing aspects such as environmental performance, environmental disclosure, and environmental investments [130-132]. In recent years, with ongoing adjustments in international political climates and regulatory frameworks, the environmental strategies and behaviors of multinational corporations have also been correspondingly affected. Scholars are increasingly examining the interplay between environmental governance and international political and regulatory environments, including the impact of globalization on the environmental performance of multinational corporations [133], and the linkages between environmental regulatory intensity and foreign direct investment [134].In future research, it would be beneficial to delve deeper into the specific impacts of different political and legal environments on corporate environmental compliance policies. Additionally, studying how companies adjust their environmental compliance strategies in response to changes in political climates would be insightful.

Thanks for your recognition and sincere comments. With your help, we have a more quality paper, and your comments inspired us greatly. Again, thanks for your kindness.

With best regards,

Tiancheng Chi and Zheng Yang

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper "Trends in Corporate Environmental Compliance Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004-2024)" addresses a highly relevant and contemporary topic within the realm of corporate sustainability. The authors successfully achieve the objectives laid out in the introduction by answering the three posed questions comprehensively. Employing bibliometric methods, the study provides a thorough and visual analysis of related research from the past two decades. It effectively elucidates the development trajectory, research progress, key issues, and trending topics in the field of corporate environmental compliance. 

Strengths:

Current and Relevant Topic: The theme of the article is timely, considering the increasing importance of environmental compliance in corporate governance and sustainability.

Clear Objectives: The study's aims are well-defined, and the authors deliver on their promise to answer the key questions posed at the beginning of the article.

Comprehensive Analysis: The use of bibliometric methods is appropriate and well-executed, providing a detailed overview of research trends, significant issues, and emerging hot topics in the field.

Well-Structured Introduction: The introduction is well-written and sets the stage for the article effectively. It provides a solid foundation and background for understanding the study's significance and objectives.

Areas for Improvement:

Article Structure Outline: Although the introduction is strong, it would benefit from a concluding paragraph that outlines the structure of the article. This addition would guide readers through the subsequent sections and enhance the overall readability.

Section Transitions: The article would be more fluid if sections did not end with a figure. Each section should ideally conclude with a summary or discussion that ties together the key points before transitioning to the next section. Additionally, an introductory paragraph at the beginning of each new section would help maintain continuity and guide the reader smoothly through the text.

Separation of Titles and Subtitles: The authors should ensure that titles and subtitles are not placed together without intervening text. This separation will enhance clarity and improve the logical flow of the document.

Author Response

We feel great thanks for your professional review work on our article. As you are concerned, there are several problems that need to be addressed. According to your nice suggestions, we have made extensive corrections to our previous draft, the detailed corrections are listed below.

Comments 1: The paper "Trends in Corporate Environmental Compliance Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004-2024)" addresses a highly relevant and contemporary topic within the realm of corporate sustainability. The authors successfully achieve the objectives laid out in the introduction by answering the three posed questions comprehensively. Employing bibliometric methods, the study provides a thorough and visual analysis of related research from the past two decades. It effectively elucidates the development trajectory, research progress, key issues, and trending topics in the field of corporate environmental compliance.

Strengths:

Current and Relevant Topic: The theme of the article is timely, considering the increasing importance of environmental compliance in corporate governance and sustainability.

Clear Objectives: The study's aims are well-defined, and the authors deliver on their promise to answer the key questions posed at the beginning of the article.

Comprehensive Analysis: The use of bibliometric methods is appropriate and well-executed, providing a detailed overview of research trends, significant issues, and emerging hot topics in the field.

Well-Structured Introduction: The introduction is well-written and sets the stage for the article effectively. It provides a solid foundation and background for understanding the study's significance and objectives.

Response 1: We greatly appreciate your recognition of our study, and we also thank you for your suggestions to further improve this paper. We sincerely accept your recommendations and have made corresponding revisions to the paper. Below, we will address each of your suggestions in detail.

Comments 2: Areas for Improvement:

Article Structure Outline: Although the introduction is strong, it would benefit from a concluding paragraph that outlines the structure of the article. This addition would guide readers through the subsequent sections and enhance the overall readability.

Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.Firstly, thank you very much for your recognition of the introduction section of our paper. Following your suggestion, we have added a paragraph at the end of the introduction that outlines the main research content of each section of this paper, facilitating readers' quick understanding of its structure. The specific modifications are as follows (Corresponding to lines 114-123 in the article):

The remainder of the content is as follows: Section 2 discusses the overall design of this study, systematically introducing the research methods, tools, and data collection process. Section 3 presents the general findings of the bibliometric analysis, summarizing the publication trends in the field of corporate environmental compliance over the past 20 years, including trends in disciplines, authorship, journals, institutions, and countries' productivity, as well as highly cited literature. Section 4 elaborates on the thematic clustering and evolution analysis of corporate environmental compliance research based on keyword co-occurrence analysis. Section 5 analyzes emerging themes in this research field in recent years using keyword burst analysis. Finally, the study concludes by systematically presenting its findings, limitations, and suggestions for future work.

Comments 3: Section Transitions: The article would be more fluid if sections did not end with a figure. Each section should ideally conclude with a summary or discussion that ties together the key points before transitioning to the next section. Additionally, an introductory paragraph at the beginning of each new section would help maintain continuity and guide the reader smoothly through the text.

Separation of Titles and Subtitles: The authors should ensure that titles and subtitles are not placed together without intervening text. This separation will enhance clarity and improve the logical flow of the document.

Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.To enhance the overall coherence of the paper, we have carefully considered and adopted your suggestions. We have added concluding paragraphs at the end of each chapter and transitional content leading into the next section. Additionally, at the beginning of each section, we have introduced a paragraph that previews the content of that section, ensuring continuity between main and subheadings. The specific modifications are as follows:

Section Transitions & Separation of Titles and Subtitles of Section 2 (Corresponding to lines 125-129, 195-199 in the article):

2. Materials and Methods

In this section, we detail the rationale for conducting a bibliometric analysis and the tools employed to assist in the analysis. Our data primarily comes from the Web of Science Core Collection, ensuring the authority and scientific rigor of the data. Additionally, to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the literature obtained, we used the PRISMA framework for systematic screening.

2.1. Bibliometric Tools

……

Through this rigorous screening process, we ensured that all selected literature focused on issues related to corporate environmental compliance. Ultimately, the study identified 851 articles that met the criteria for inclusion.Next, we will conduct a detailed performance analysis of 851 articles to identify influential journals, authors, countries, institutions, and key papers in this research field.

3. Performance Analysis: Productivity and Impact (RQ1)

 

Section Transitions of Section 3 (Corresponding to lines 384-387 in the article):

After completing the performance analysis related to corporate environmental compliance research, we will proceed with keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis. This will allow us to further explore the core research themes in this field and uncover the development patterns of these studies.

 

Section Transitions & Separation of Titles and Subtitles of Section 4 (Corresponding to lines 389-392, 606-614 in the article):

4. Keywords Analysis: Cluster & Evolution (RQ2)

This section primarily employs keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis to elucidate three core research themes in corporate environmental compliance. Additionally, by constructing a timeline of keywords, it aims to illustrate the overall development of these research themes over the past 20 years.

4.1. Co-occurrence Analysis on Keywords

……

Keyword clustering reveals that researchers have primarily focused on three core issues in past studies: Corporate Environmental Information Disclosure, Corporate Environmental Green Innovation, and Corporate Environmental Management System. Using CiteSpace's timeline visualization of keywords, the analysis further illustrates the evolution of research in corporate environmental compliance. Since 2015, environmental management and external regulatory issues have consistently been under scrutiny. Starting from 2020, research on environmental negotiation and collaboration has begun to emerge prominently, marking a significant shift in corporate environmental compliance from passive compliance to active participation.

 

Separation of Titles and Subtitles of Section 6 (Corresponding to lines 675-681 in the article):

6. 6. Conclusions, Limitations & Prospect

Based on the aforementioned detailed analyses, this section will provide comprehensive answers to the three research questions posed in the introduction. By reviewing the entire research process, we summarize the existing shortcomings. Additionally, based on the overall findings of the bibliometric analysis, we believe that the current research themes have potential for further expansion. Therefore, we propose four specific research directions to encourage future researchers to continue exploring this field.

6.1. Conclusions

Thanks for your recognition and sincere comments. With your help, we have a more quality paper, and your comments inspired us greatly. Again, thanks for your kindness.

With best regards,

Tiancheng Chi and Zheng Yang

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf