A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Evaluating Non-Governmental Organizations in Public Administration
Vei R. A.

Vei, Roman A. (2026) “A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Evaluating Non-Governmental Organizations in Public Administration.” The Problems of Economy 1:252–263.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-0712-2026-1-252-263

Section: Economic theory

UDC 351:061.2:303.4

Abstract:
The aim of the article is to identify global scientific trends and the evolution of approaches to monitoring and evaluating the activities of non-governmental organizations in the field of public administration based on a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. A data amount of publications indexed in the Scopus database for 1993–2025 was analyzed. The dynamics of publication activity, geographical and sectoral distribution, institutional structure, and sources of research funding were examined. Using bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer), a co-occurrence analysis of keywords was carried out, which made it possible to identify six thematic clusters. A gradual shift in the scientific discourse from the analysis of hierarchical administrative models to flexible, digitalized, and human-centered approaches capable of responding to social, environmental, and epidemiological challenges has been determined. The necessity of a conceptual rethinking of the assessment of non-governmental organizations’ activities in Ukraine under conditions of European integration and postwar recovery has been substantiated. Based on global trends (increased attention to impact indicators, transparency, and digital monitoring), the feasibility of transitioning from procedural control to a «democratic audit» model has been demonstrated, which allows measuring not only the volume of services but also social capital and the contribution of civil society to national resilience. The integration of the evaluation of public organizations into the fundamental cluster of State reforms as an indicator of inclusiveness and readiness for EU membership has been proposed. The vision of the role of public organizations as subjects of digital monitoring of reconstruction and public oversight of international aid usage has been expanded. A Ukraine-specific «sustainability paradox» has been identified, combining high advocacy effectiveness with low financial sustainability. The necessity of shifting the focus from financial autonomy to actual impact and representativeness has been substantiated. It is concluded that modern evaluation evolves from a control tool to a strategic mechanism of public governance.

Keywords: civil society organizations, monitoring and evaluation, bibliometric analysis.

Fig.: 10. Tabl.: 1. Bibl.: 10.

Vei Roman A. – Postgraduate Student, Department of Administrative and Financial Management, National University «Lviv Polytechnic» (12 Stepana Bandery Str., Lvіv, 79013, Ukraine)
Email: roman.a.vei@lpnu.ua

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