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Sustainable Development Goals in the Business Sphere: A Bibliometric Review

Author

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  • Javier Martínez-Falcó

    (Management Department, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Bartolomé Marco-Lajara

    (Management Department, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Eduardo Sánchez-García

    (Management Department, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Luis A. Millan-Tudela

    (Management Department, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

Abstract

Academic contributions on the impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on businesses have grown exponentially in recent years as a result of the importance of the business sector in improving the economy, society and the environment. Through the use of bibliometric methods and taking the Web of Science (WoS) as a reference database, the research aims to analyze the structure of scientific knowledge of the link between the SDGs and the corporate sector, analyzing 2366 documents published between 1992 and 2022. The results show, among other aspects, the accelerated growth rate of the scientific production analyzed since 2015, the use of publications in articles as the main format for disseminating research results, the relevance of the category of Environmental Sciences as the area of study in which most of the scientific production analyzed falls as well as the predominant role of the publishing houses MDPI, Elsevier and Emerald in the publication of scientific documents on the topic under analysis. The research can therefore be of use to both neophyte and experienced researchers who wish to deepen their understanding of the academic knowledge structure of the SDGs in the business world.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Martínez-Falcó & Bartolomé Marco-Lajara & Eduardo Sánchez-García & Luis A. Millan-Tudela, 2023. "Sustainable Development Goals in the Business Sphere: A Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:6:p:5075-:d:1095911
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Isidro Pena & Silvia M. Andrade & Rosa M. Munoz & Isabel Martínez, 2023. "A grouping of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their influence on business results: An analysis for Spanish companies," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 14(2), pages 551-583, June.
    3. Pata, Ugur Korkut, 2025. "How to progress towards sustainable development by leveraging renewable energy sources, technological advances, and human capital," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    4. Zihui Han & Xiangcheng Zhu & Zhenqing Su, 2024. "Forecasting Maritime and Financial Market Trends: Leveraging CNN-LSTM Models for Sustainable Shipping and China’s Financial Market Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-24, November.
    5. Sebastián Uriarte & Hugo Baier-Fuentes & Cristian Geldes, 2025. "Ten Years of Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Review and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-24, September.
    6. Raghu Raman & Walter Leal Filho & Hector Martin & Suparna Ray & Dayana Das & Prema Nedungadi, 2024. "Exploring Sustainable Development Goal Research Trajectories in Small Island Developing States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-25, August.
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