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Education for Sustainability—Some Bibliometric Insights

Author

Listed:
  • Andra-Teodora Gorski

    (Faculty of Economics, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Elena-Diana Ranf

    (Faculty of Military Management, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Dorel Badea

    (Faculty of Economics, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
    Faculty of Military Management, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Elisabeta-Emilia Halmaghi

    (Faculty of Military Management, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Hortensia Gorski

    (Faculty of Military Management, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania)

Abstract

The opportunities and challenges related to sustainability impose not only a societal transformation but also a personal one. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have great potential to promote sustainability and shape future generations’ skills, knowledge, thinking, and actions. Addressing environmental, social, and economic pillars, education for sustainable development (ESD), or education for sustainability (EfS), is a catalyst for quality education towards a sustainable future. This paper aims to analyze the state of the art and prevailing trends in the scientific literature pertaining to ESD/EfS. In this regard, specific objectives were established to identify the following: (1) authors’ productivity over time; (2) countries’ contribution and collaboration; (3) the most relevant keywords; and (4) the most prominent themes—in terms of relevance and degree of development. To fulfill the research objectives, quantitative research employing bibliometric analysis was carried out in April 2023. The research data sample was collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database. By conducting the search using a combined topic (“education for sustainable development” OR “education for sustainability”), a total of 2827 documents in English were identified within a timeframe of 33 years (1989–2023). These documents served as the foundation for subsequent data processing, visualization, and analysis using Biblioshiny/Bibliometrix (version R-4.2.0), as well as Excel (version 2309) software. The visualization and analysis focused on examining the most prolific authors and countries, in addition to generating word clouds based on keywords. Moreover, the thematic map that was delineated into four quadrants—Basic, Motor, Niche, and Emerging or Declining themes—provides an overview of the researched subject. ESD—embracing environmental, social, and economic pillars—implies transformative learning, action-oriented pedagogies, and professional development. As a holistic framework, it requires interdisciplinarity, system thinking, critical and experiential thinking, problem-based learning, and the use of 4IR technologies to enhance the teaching-learning process.

Suggested Citation

  • Andra-Teodora Gorski & Elena-Diana Ranf & Dorel Badea & Elisabeta-Emilia Halmaghi & Hortensia Gorski, 2023. "Education for Sustainability—Some Bibliometric Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:20:p:14916-:d:1260683
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    12. Ying Yang, 2023. "Sustainability Analysis of Enterprise Performance Management Driven by Big Data and Internet of Things," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-11, March.
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    16. Elena Andriollo & Alberto Caimo & Laura Secco & Elena Pisani, 2021. "Collaborations in Environmental Initiatives for an Effective “Adaptive Governance” of Social–Ecological Systems: What Existing Literature Suggests," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-29, July.
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    4. STAN Sebastian-Emanuel & ȚÎȚU Mihai Aurel & PARASCHIV Cristian, 2024. "The Role Of Intangible Resources In Driving Value Creation And Sustained Competitive Advantage For Businesses," Management of Sustainable Development, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 16(1), pages 106-115, June.
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    7. Vassilios Makrakis & Nelly Kostoulas-Makrakis & Alexander Siegmund & Delfina María Martelletti & Alejandro Álvarez-Vanegas & Mateo Alfredo Castillo Ceja & Miguel Gonzalez & Carolina Carrillo Artavia &, 2025. "Professionalization of Academic Teaching in Latin American Universities to Address SDGs Applying the Stages of Concern Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-25, June.
    8. Leyla Yılmaz Fındık & Şefika Şule Erçetin, 2023. "How Do Universities in Türkiye Integrate Sustainable Development Goals into Their Strategies?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-16, December.
    9. Pongpan Compan & Thongchai Prommachan & Chanakamol Kongyok & Onanong Cheablam & Mam Socheath, 2025. "Integrating Local Plant Knowledge into Elementary Curriculum: A Scalable Model for Community Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-25, September.
    10. Andra Sandu & Paul Diaconu & Camelia Delcea & Adrian Domenteanu, 2025. "Emphasizing Grey Systems Contribution to Decision-Making Field Under Uncertainty: A Global Bibliometric Exploration," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-45, April.

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