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Productivity and Impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-Related Academic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Author

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  • Nikša Alfirević

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Lena Malešević Perović

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Maja Mihaljević Kosor

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

Abstract

In this paper, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of the global research related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations sustainability agenda. Our analysis builds upon the Elsevier Scopus-indexed scientific outputs since all those are classified for SDG relationships at indexing. We follow the recently published research protocol and use the Elsevier Scopus engine and the SciVal bibliometric reporting and benchmarking tool to analyze the productivity and impact of the global SDG-related research in the 2017–2022 period. We report on the most influential authors and publication outlets for SDG-related research, focusing on the collaboration patterns and their relationship to research productivity and impact. We also use keyword analysis and science mapping to describe the intellectual structure of the SDG research and its implications, which could be interpreted in terms of the “bandwagon effect”.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikša Alfirević & Lena Malešević Perović & Maja Mihaljević Kosor, 2023. "Productivity and Impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-Related Academic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7434-:d:1137294
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Cirstea Andreea, 2024. "Trends And Global Collaboration In Sustainable Development Goals Accounting," Annals - Economy Series, Constantin Brancusi University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 6, pages 148-160, December.
    3. Alba Arias & Claudia Pennese & Olatz Grijalba & Yousra Sidqi, 2025. "Application of Living Lab Concept: Where, How and for What Is Being Used in Europe to Support Energy, Social and Environmental Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-25, March.

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