STEM creativity: research trends and emerging themes

Purpose This study aims to investigate the evolving research landscape of creativity within STEM education through a comprehensive analysis of publication trends, conceptual developments, and international collaboration patterns. The primary objective is to clarify how creativity in STEM has transformed over time and to identify emerging research domains that shape the theoretical and practical understanding of creative learning.Design and Methods The study employed bibliometric and thematic analyses of 865 peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2025, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric mapping techniques were used to trace publication growth, conceptual clusters, and patterns of international collaboration, while thematic analysis identified the key domains underpinning creativity research within STEM education.Results Findings indicate a marked increase in research activity related to STEM creativity after 2015, largely influenced by the global dissemination of STEAM frameworks and the rise of artificial intelligence–driven pedagogical models. Thematic analysis revealed five interrelated domains: interdisciplinary integration, motivation and self-efficacy, social inclusion, cognitive infrastructure, and organizational creativity. These domains underscore the shift in the conceptualization of creativity from an individual cognitive ability to a collaborative, technology-mediated, and socio-cultural process. However, methodological inconsistencies in assessing creative outcomes persist as a significant limitation across studies.Conclusion The study highlights the importance of incorporating emotional, motivational, and cultural dimensions into creative STEM learning environments. It proposes a future research agenda centered on three core directions—cognitive depth, inclusivity, and digital transformation—to strengthen theoretical foundations and enhance the practical implementation of creativity in STEM education.