Managerial competencies and sustainable models in the creative industries before and after the Covid-19 pandemic: A bibliometric study

Abstract

The creative and cultural industries have become key drivers of sustainable development, powered by innovation, digitalisation, and new forms of managerial leadership. However, the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped their dynamics, highlighting the need for adaptive and sustainable management models. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of recent scientific literature on managerial competencies, business models, innovation, and sustainability in order to understand how knowledge in this field has evolved before and after the pandemic. The findings reveal a growing scholarly interest accompanied by a theoretical shift towards digital transformation, cultural governance, and resilience-oriented management. By mapping key trends, authors, and research clusters, the study provides a critical and forward-looking perspective that strengthens academic understanding, informs public policy, and supports strategic decision-making in the global creative economy.