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How Digital Development Leverages Sustainable Development

Author

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  • Albérico Travassos Rosário

    (GOVCOPP–Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Rua de S. Tiago DCSPT Room 12.3.8, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Campus do Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Estefanilha, Edifício ESTS, 2914-504 Setúbal, Portugal)

  • Paula Rosa Lopes

    (Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture, and New Technologies (CICANT), Campus Campo Grande, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Filipe Sales Rosário

    (IADE–Faculdade de Design, Tecnologia e Comunicação, Universidade Europeia, 1500-210 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

This academic article seeks to clarify the state of the literature on a very pertinent topic that is based on how digital innovation, considering emerging technologies and how they could be used in business management and marketing, could increase sustainable development. The sustainable economy, which should maintain long-term development through efficient resource management, has as allies emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things that can help reduce waste, reduce the carbon footprint, and automate tasks. Additionally, they could present themselves as a solution to improve aspects of digital communication between companies and their consumers in remote training, distribution chain, e-commerce, and process optimization in different sectors of activity. These advances will, on the one hand, allow the possibility of conducting a greater amount of professional training, increasing the number of qualified professionals and, on the other hand, facilitate trade exchanges, promoting the economy. Based on a systematic bibliometric review of the literature using the PRISMA framework, this study investigates how digital tools catalyze transformative changes in different sectors of activity. The results indicate that, overall, the academic articles analyzed in this literature review present studies focused on digitalization and sustainability (approximately 50%). In second place are topics related to digitalization and other topics such as: smart cities; Sustainable Development Goals; academia; the digital economy; government policies; academic education; and sustainable communication (29%). Finally, in third place, there are academic articles closely linked to digitalization and the environment, more specifically to sustainable practices and the management of natural resources (21%). The article concludes that digital development, when used wisely, serves as a crucial lever to address the world’s most pressing sustainability imperatives. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive governance to ensure that these digital changes produce lasting impacts for people and the planet.

Suggested Citation

  • Albérico Travassos Rosário & Paula Rosa Lopes & Filipe Sales Rosário, 2025. "How Digital Development Leverages Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-34, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6055-:d:1692964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Vasiliki Basdekidou & Harry Papapanagos, 2025. "SEP and Blockchain Adoption in Western Balkans and EU: The Mediating Role of ESG Activities and DEI Initiatives," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-48, August.

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