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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Research: A Systematic Review of Recent Trends (2020–2024)

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  • Jiyeon Kim
  • Wooyoung Yang

Abstract

The 2020–2024 period marks a pivotal era in sustainable development, characterized by significant regulatory developments, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the International Sustainability Standards Board standards, and the introduction of mandatory ESG reporting requirements worldwide. This review examines how recent policy changes have reshaped the linkages between ESG and sustainability. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic review examining empirical studies of ESG–sustainability performance relationships published between 2020 and 2024. Studies examined the quantitative relationships between ESG sustainability performance and publicly traded corporations. Quality assessment employed the adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale with sustainability‐specific criteria. From 2847 screened records, 89 quantitative studies covering 126,000 firms in 67 countries met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 56% reported positive ESG–performance links, 38% mixed/neutral, and 6% negative. Asia‐Pacific showed the strongest positive share (67%), followed by multiregional (61%), Europe (56%), and North America (40%). Manufacturing (74%) and financial services (70%) outperformed technology (33%). This systematic review demonstrates strengthened positive associations and reveals Asia‐Pacific's emergence as a regional leader, providing timely evidence for environmental managers and policymakers navigating post‐2020 regulatory frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiyeon Kim & Wooyoung Yang, 2026. "Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Research: A Systematic Review of Recent Trends (2020–2024)," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 1872-1900, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:2:p:1872-1900
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70370
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