Bibliometric mapping of global public acceptance trends in autonomous vehicles - Discover Sustainability

Executive Summary

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer transformative potential in transportation, promising improved safety, reduced congestion, and enhanced mobility. However, their successful integration depends largely on public acceptance. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 517 peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2024, sourced from the Web of Science database, to map the global research landscape on public acceptance of AVs. Using VOSviewer and R-Studio, the study identifies key thematic clusters, including trust, risk perception, ethical concerns, and regulatory frameworks. The results reveal a growing scholarly interest in the topic, with leading contributions from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Trust and perceived safety risks emerge as central factors influencing public attitudes, while theoretical models such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and UTAUT are widely applied. Despite advancements, the analysis reveals a significant geographic imbalance, with limited research focus on developing countries. This gap highlights the need for more inclusive, context-specific studies that consider cultural, demographic, and infrastructural differences. The findings also underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address societal concerns and support equitable AV adoption. Future research should prioritize diverse populations to foster broader public trust and global acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology.