Analysis of Thematic Evolution and Keywords : The Role of CG and ESG in the Sustainability Strategy of the Aeronautical Industry, a Bibliometric Study (2015–2025)

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the thematic evolution and keyword structures surrounding the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria within management control systems (MCS) and corporate governance (CG), with a specific focus on the aeronautical industry. Covering the period 2015–2025, the study analyzes indexed academic publications to identify intellectual foundations, dominant research streams, methodological trends, and emerging themes. Using co-word analysis, thematic mapping, and network visualization, the research highlights how ESG integration has progressively shifted from compliance-oriented disclosure toward strategic performance management, data governance, and organizational learning. The findings underscore the pivotal role of management control in translating ESG commitments into operational decisions, particularly in a sector facing intense environmental pressure and regulatory scrutiny. The study contributes to the literature by offering a structured overview of the evolving ESG–MCS nexus and by outlining managerial and research implications for sustainable value creation in the aeronautical industry.