Decoding Adaptation Finance Research Dynamics: A Comprehensive Tri‐Methodological Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

With time, adaptation finance (AF) has become an essential instrument for achieving the objective of capacity building and safeguarding vulnerable nations from the damaging effects of climate change. While global dialogue has focused on mitigation strategies, growing recognition of the irreversibility of certain climate impacts has intensified attention on how societies can be financially equipped to adapt to a changing climate. In this context, the AF domain is experiencing increased interest from both practitioners and academics; however, there is a lack of comprehensive studies mapping this area of knowledge. The present research addresses this gap by utilizing three methodological approaches to map the intellectual and social framework of the AF field. A scientometric analysis was conducted using CiteSpace software to create networks of authors, countries, keywords, and institutions involved in AF publications, highlighting the predominance of contributions from developed nations, with limited research participation from developing countries. Second, cluster analysis was performed using Python, employing TF‐IDF matrix and K‐means clustering yielding seven distinct clusters: Climate Adaptation Funding and Policy, Private Sector Engagement, Economic Impacts, Global Initiatives and Policies, Adaptation Coordination and Implementation, Risk Management, and Local Community‐Based Initiatives. Third, content analysis of 62 recent studies, combined with scientometric and clustering techniques, was conducted to identify promising future research directions. Implications for various stakeholders are discussed.