Sustainability: A Concept in Flux? The Role of Multidisciplinary Insights in Shaping Sustainable Futures

Fanny Saruchera ()
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Fanny Saruchera: School of Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: This study explores the multifaceted concept of sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating perspectives from natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, economics, engineering, technology, psychology, and health. Drawing on a systematic review of the literature and empirical data from the Sustainable African futures Sustainability School, this research integrates disciplinary insights and aligns them with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings reveal significant variations in how different disciplines define, prioritise, and approach sustainability, highlighting the need for transdisciplinary approaches to develop holistic and actionable solutions. This study identifies limitations in multidisciplinary methods, such as potential biases and siloed discussions, and advocates for research that fosters dynamic exchanges across various disciplines. Practical recommendations are provided for corporate sustainability initiatives and governmental policies that align with the SDGs, offering pathways to address the interconnected global challenges of sustainable development. By advancing collaborative transdisciplinary approaches, this study contributes to the shaping of sustainable futures through integrated and inclusive strategies.

Keywords: sustainability; multidisciplinary; transdisciplinary; sustainable development; interdisciplinary collaboration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:326-:d:1560023

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