A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis of Agricultural Transformation: Evidence from CNKI and Web of Science

Abstract

Against the backdrop of food security pressure, climate constraints, and rapid technological change, research on agricultural transformation has expanded rapidly in both Chinese and international contexts. Based on CNKI and the Web of Science Core Collection, this paper uses CiteSpace to compare publication trends, collaboration networks, keyword structures, thematic evolution, and research frontiers, and measures cross-database thematic similarity through Chinese-English keyword normalization and Jaccard similarity. The results show that both databases have grown significantly: CNKI responds earlier and more strongly to domestic policy cycles, while WoS has accelerated markedly since 2021. International collaboration is more networked, whereas domestic research remains locally clustered. The two databases share concerns with transformation, modernization, technology, governance, sustainability, land, and farmers, but CNKI is more policy-oriented, while WoS places greater weight on global public issues and evidence-based analysis. Digitalization and green low-carbon development have recently emerged as important bridging themes.