Mapping the discourse of Sustainable Development Goals: a mixed-method bibliometric and thematic exploration

Sina Mortazavi, Arash Hajikhani, Igor Laine () and Charbel Salloum ()
Additional contact information
Sina Mortazavi: LUT - Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology [Finlande]
Arash Hajikhani: VTT - VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Igor Laine: LUT - Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology [Finlande]
Charbel Salloum: Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie = EM Normandie Business School

Post-Print from HAL

Abstract: Purpose This study addresses the rapid growth of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related literature, aiming to analyze key themes and trends and propose an integrative framework for a holistic view of SDG research. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematic literature review, both bibliometric and content analysis were applied. A search strategy identified core works across academic databases, followed by quantitative bibliometric mapping and qualitative thematic analysis. Findings Four themes emerged: SDG operational constraints, sustainable strategies, types of innovation and research gaps. The study shows that mixed-methods yield a comprehensive understanding of SDG discourse, useful for navigating complex, multidisciplinary subjects. Research limitations/implications The study's database focus may limit its scope. Future research could expand on identified themes to enhance framework precision. Practical implications This framework aids policymakers and practitioners in understanding SDG literature, supporting informed decision-making and innovation in sustainability practices. Social implications The study enhances understanding of SDG strategies, supporting social initiatives aimed at environmental stewardship, social equity and resilience. Originality/value This study introduces a novel mixed-methods approach to reviewing SDG literature, presenting an adaptable framework that guides future SDG studies and highlights mixed methods as particularly effective for this research area.

Keywords: Content analysis; Meta-analysis; Bibliometrics; Systematic literature review; Sustainable Development Goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-06-02
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Published in Management Decision, 2025, 64 (6), pp.2484-2513. ⟨10.1108/MD-10-2024-2455⟩

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05653153

DOI: 10.1108/MD-10-2024-2455

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Post-Print from HAL
Bibliographic data for series maintained by CCSD ().