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ESG Standards in China: Bibliometric Analysis, Development Status Research, and Future Research Directions

Author

Listed:
  • Lihua Zeng

    (Quality and Standards Academy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hao Li

    (Quality and Standards Academy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Liyu Lin

    (College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Dora Juan Juan Hu

    (School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
    Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138632, Singapore)

  • Hui Liu

    (Quality and Standards Academy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China)

Abstract

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have received widespread attention in the quest for sustainable development. However, a comprehensive understanding of the current status of ESG standards, particularly in the context of China, remains a scientific gap. This study bridges this gap by adopting a bibliometric analysis to comprehensively analyze the current status of ESG standards. Based on an analysis of 213 articles involving ESG standards in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2015 to 2024, this study identified the global distribution of ESG standards organizations, research hotspots, trends, and cutting-edge status of ESG standards research. It was found that the research on ESG standards shows a growing trend: the research hotspots mainly focus on the areas of performance, rating, investment, and sustainability. Crucially, this study offers novel insights into the current development status of ESG standards in China, emphasizing the significant roles of the government’s promotion of ESG standard formulation and regulation, corporate voluntary compliance, and academic research and communication. Future research directions on ESG standards are proposed and imply that the implementation of ESG standards in China should be beneficial to sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Lihua Zeng & Hao Li & Liyu Lin & Dora Juan Juan Hu & Hui Liu, 2024. "ESG Standards in China: Bibliometric Analysis, Development Status Research, and Future Research Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7134-:d:1459819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lei Yang & Dongbo Xu & Shuai Yuan, 2025. "The Progress of Ecotourism Research in China: Identifying Key Areas, Highlights, and Trends Through Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.
    2. Costantiello, Alberto & Drago, Carlo & Arnone, Massimo & Leogrande, Angelo, 2024. "Regional Research Intensity and ESG Indicators in Italy: Insights from Panel Data Models and Machine Learning," MPRA Paper 124185, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Haoyue Bai & Junghee Kim, 2024. "Do ESG Practices Promote Financial Performance? Comparison of English, Chinese, and Korean Papers Through Bibliometric and Meta-Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-22, November.
    4. Donghui Zhao & Sue Lin Ngan & Ainul Huda Jamil & Mohd Fairuz Md Salleh & Wan Sallha Yusoff, 2025. "Peer Effects on ESG Disclosure: Drivers and Implications for Sustainable Corporate Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-21, May.

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