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Green Procurement Towards Sustainable Development In The Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Bibliometric Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Mufaro DZINGIRAI

    (Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia)

  • Emmanuel NDHLOVU

    (College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa)

  • David MHLANGA

    (The Econowrite Institute for Policy Innovation & Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)

Abstract

The use of digital technologies made available by the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to respond to contemporary challenges is gaining widespread support across sectors. This article contributes to ongoing discussions on the importance of digital tools by exploring how green procurement contributes to sustainable development. The article (i) identifies research output on green procurement, (ii) explores the leading authors on the topic and the countries they are located in, and (iii) highlights the key recommendations. The article deploys a bibliometric methodological approach covering 27 years from 1997 to 2024. The Scopus database was the source of information, where 133 articles were identified for analysis. The results show that green procurement is widely recommended as among the most effective strategies through which various industries can limit their greenhouse gas footprint and contribute to sustainability. This widespread support and the growth in green procurement research are attributed to the dire need for sustainable development in the 21st century. It is recommended that the industry draw from the results and strengthen its green procurement initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mufaro DZINGIRAI & Emmanuel NDHLOVU & David MHLANGA, 2025. "Green Procurement Towards Sustainable Development In The Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Bibliometric Approach," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 12(2), pages 413-423, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:12:y:2025:i:2:p:413-423
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17870761
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Navarani Vejaratnam & Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad & Santha Chenayah, 2020. "A systematic review of barriers impeding the implementation of government green procurement," Journal of Public Procurement, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(4), pages 451-471, October.
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    3. Arabinda Bhandari, 2023. "Design Thinking: from Bibliometric Analysis to Content Analysis, Current Research Trends, and Future Research Directions," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(3), pages 3097-3152, September.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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