Bibliometric and systematic analysis of the literature on the Hartwick rule in non-renewable resources

Abstract

The Hartwick rule states that an economy can be sustainable if the revenues from the exploitation of non-renewable resources are reinvested in other forms of capital that benefit future generations. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric and systematic review of all research published up to 2024 on the application of the Hartwick rule in the context of non-renewable resources. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining bibliometric analysis, text mining, and qualitative content analysis. The review is based on 71 peer-reviewed articles selected using the PRISMA protocol, complemented by an ad hoc search in leading academic databases. The findings show how the Hartwick rule has evolved from a theoretical concept to a practical tool for guiding public policy, particularly in countries heavily dependent on oil, minerals, or gas. The literature is structured around three main thematic areas: the theoretical and economic foundations of the rule; its application in the management of non-renewable resources; and the assumptions and conditions required for its sustainability. This study provides a structured overview of the Hartwick rule's evolution and application in non-renewable resource management, underscoring its relevance for sustainability.