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Research Status and Trends of Rural E-Commerce Logistics in China: A CiteSpace Analysis

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Introduction

The rapid growth of the Internet has revolutionized the e-commerce industry, creating new opportunities for rural e-commerce logistics. However, challenges like dispersed markets, high transportation costs, and geographical constraints hinder efficient last-mile delivery in rural areas. This study employs CiteSpace, a bibliometric tool, to analyze 1,624 Chinese academic papers (2001–2025) and uncover research trends, collaborations, and emerging themes in rural e-commerce logistics.

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Methodology

Data Collection

  • Source: CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) database.
  • Search Query: (TKA = ‘rural’ OR ‘countryside’) AND (TKA = ‘e-commerce’) AND TI = ‘logistics’.
  • Filters: Excluded low-relevance studies, retaining 1,624 papers (as of April 2025).

Analytical Tools

  • CiteSpace 6.3.R1: Visualized co-authorship networks, keyword clusters, and temporal trends.
  • Metrics: Publication volume, author/institution collaborations, keyword centrality (Q > 0.3, S > 0.7).

Key Findings

1. Publication Trends

  • 2001–2014: Slow growth (nascent stage).
  • 2015–2022: Rapid increase post-policy shifts (e.g., China’s 2015 Rural E-Commerce Development Guidelines).
  • 2023–2025: Stable growth (27 papers in 2025).

2. Author and Institutional Analysis

Rank Author Publications Institution
1 Liu Yan 5 Guizhou University (Economics)
2 Zhao Jing 4 Gansu Agricultural University
  • Insights:
  • Limited inter-author collaboration (density = 0.002).
  • Western institutions dominate (aligned with national rural revitalization policies).

3. Research Hotspots

Top Keywords (2001–2025):

  1. Rural Logistics (266 mentions)
  2. E-Commerce (240)
  3. Rural Revitalization (183)
  4. Cold Chain Logistics (41)
  5. Drone Delivery (emerging).

Clusters Identified:

  • 1: Policy-driven themes (Rural Revitalization, Poverty Alleviation).

  • 2: Technological innovations (Smart Logistics, AI Optimization).

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Future Trends

  1. Technology Integration: Drones, blockchain for traceability.
  2. Green Logistics: Low-carbon supply chains.
  3. Talent Development: Vocational training for rural logistics.

FAQs

Q1: How does policy impact rural e-commerce logistics?
A1: Policies like China’s 2015 Rural E-Commerce Guidelines accelerated research and infrastructure investments.

Q2: What are the biggest logistical challenges?
A2: High costs, poor infrastructure, and perishable goods handling (e.g., cold chain logistics).

Q3: Which technologies show promise?

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