The Evolution of Circular Supply Chain Management Research Through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals: A Bibliometric Review

Elif Koç and Mujde Aksoy
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Elif Koç: Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University
Mujde Aksoy: Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University

Business and Economics Research Journal, 2026, vol. 17, issue 3, 403-432

Abstract: The circular economy is a pivotal framework for integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability. Given that the circular economy requires a transition from traditional linear production systems to regenerative and resource-efficient patterns, the transformation of supply chains is substantial. In such a context, circular supply chain management (CSCM) becomes a significant mechanism for implementing circular economy principles. Understanding how CSCM research contributes to broader sustainability objectives, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has therefore become increasingly important. This study aims to review the CSCM literature, identify major research trends, and evaluate the field from an SDG perspective. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1,210 articles published in journals indexed in the Web of Science database between 2010 and November 2025. Using VOSviewer, the intellectual structure of the field was visualized through analyses of countries, institutions, journals, authors, and documents. The findings reveal that CSCM research is primarily aligned with SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13, and is increasingly characterized by themes of digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and risk management. Based on these insights, a future research agenda is proposed to support both academic research and practical implementation.

Keywords: Circular Economy; Supply Chain Management (SCM); Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Sustainability; Closed-loop Supply Chains; Bibliometric Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C38 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:buecrj:023236

DOI: 10.20409/berj.2026.504

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