The growing significance of cryptocurrency acceptance research: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The adoption of cryptocurrencies has accelerated rapidly over the past decade - particularly in recent years - yet consumer acceptance remains one of the least explored and understood dimensions in the field. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to assess the development of consumer-focused cryptocurrency research up to 2024. Drawing from 152 peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, the paper identifies dominant research trends, methodological patterns, and theoretical frameworks. Findings indicate a rise in publication activity beginning in 2019, with a marked peak in 2023, signaling the emergence of cryptocurrency acceptance as a standalone research field. Despite this growth, the review uncovers substantial gaps in regional coverage, conceptual diversity, and empirical focus, underlining the need for targeted future research. There is a clear shift from Bitcoin-centric research to broader cryptocurrency applications, including alternative coins, hypothetical systems, and practical use cases like tourism or payment solutions. In addition to mapping thematic trends, the study synthesizes methodological practices related to sampling strategies, data collection techniques, analytical tools, and software use, offering a holistic overview of how this topic is researched. By synthesizing these insights, the study offers strategic implications primarily for researchers by outlining concrete directions for future investigations and suggesting how the field could be shaped moving forward. At the same time, the findings also provide valuable insights for regulators and businesses aiming to better understand the broader adoption of cryptocurrency technologies.