Bioengineering Game Changing Technology: A bibliometric keyword analysis and visualisation of similarities techniques to support horizon scanning of innovative bioengineering technologies

Conventional keyword-based retrieval methods often fail to capture novel bioengineering applications due to the volume, complexity, and diversity of terminology. This report presents a novel methodological approach for horizon scanning in bioengineering using bibliometric keyword analysis and network visualisation techniques. The method uses VOSviewer to conduct co-occurrence mapping using a custom thesaurus to identify emerging technologies across three thematic areas: tissues and medical devices, therapeutics and drug delivery systems, and genetic engineering. The multi-step process includes an Embase search strategy, keyword refinement, thematic clustering, and supplementary searches in PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. The method aims to improve transparency, scalability, and reproducibility in identifying innovations with potential healthcare impact.