Exploring the interplay between foreign capital, institutional quality and financial development: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic review

Purpose - This study conducts a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to explore the overarching trends, growth trajectories, key themes, significant contributors and scope of research concerning the interplay between foreign capital inflows, institutional quality and the dynamics of financial development. Design/methodology/approach - Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines have been followed to identify the articles. A thorough literature review was then conducted, supplemented by a bibliometric analysis using the Biblioshiny software within the RStudio platform. Findings - Empirical research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between foreign capital inflows, institutional quality and financial development. The bibliometric analysis indicates a 5.56% annual growth rate in this area, alongside a steady increase in scientific output. Regarding country-specific scientific production, China, Malaysia and the United States rank among the world's top 10 most prolific nations. Thematic map analysis further reveals that the keywords "institutional quality," "financial development" and "foreign direct investment" are categorized as "basic themes," highlighting their significant potential for future research. Research limitations/implications - The analysis relies on Biblioshiny software; future studies could incorporate other methods such as cluster analysis, citation and co-citation analysis using VOSviewer. Additionally, a more comprehensive meta-analysis covering a longer time span can be considered for future research. Practical implications - This study shall assist researchers in identifying recent advancements in the components of foreign capital and their direct and indirect effects on financial development through the lens of institutional quality. It provides valuable insights for scholars, aiding in recognizing emerging trends and patterns in the field. Additionally, it highlights key contributors, including leading authors, journals and countries, thereby fostering global academic collaboration. Social implications - This research offers policymakers a clear framework for formulating policies to effectively leverage foreign capital inflows for financial development. It also emphasizes the importance of a strong institutional environment in the relationship between foreign capital inflow and financial market development. Originality/value - The study uncovers key gaps in the multidimensional aspects of financial development and the heterogeneity of foreign direct investment (FDI), thereby deepening scholars' understanding of trends, growth rates and potential future directions in the field.