Hiran H. Lathabai

The relationships of SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) with other sustainable development goals (SDGs), both direct and indirect, necessitate a systematic analysis to understand its pivotal role in achieving other SDGs. This work focuses on a threefold investigation through a scientometric framework. Initially, the study sought to map and analyze the naturally formed linkages between SDG 12 and other SDGs by examining the literature specifically devoted to SDG 12, thereby revealing the SDGs that are strongly linked to SDG 12. The subsequent phase of the investigation identified prominent topics related to SDG 12 that require detailed exploration. Finally, the selected topics are mined through a methodical approach termed flow vergence gradient analysis, allowing for the revelation of significant contributions within each topic. Through the analysis of the SDG linkage map, SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 15 (life on land), among others, were recognized as closely linked to SDG 12. Following this identification, five major topics—Industrial Symbiosis, Electronic waste, Carbon emissions, Life Cycle Assessment, and Green products—were deemed suitable for comprehensive mining to extract pivotal contributions. As policy recommendations, adopting a multifaceted approach to e-waste management and sustainable practices is imperative. Implementing consumption-based accounting (CBA) to achieve SDG 12 holistically will be useful. Businesses must align with circular economy principles, minimize hazardous materials, and adhere to low-emission, green supply chain practices. The emphasis is also on the need for proactive R&D collaboration with academia to meet SDG 12 targets, alongside engaging in community awareness through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Despite significant business-related research publications, extant studies are yet to show how well business research directly maps to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our study uses a qual-quant approach combining the PRISMA framework, performance analysis, and content analysis to find answers to this research gap. Using the Australia Business Deans Council list of 2500+ journals as a proxy for business research during 2016–2022, our study shows that only about 25% of business research is directly mapping to SDGs with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) being the most mapped. The most cited journals are the Journal of Cleaner Production, Applied Energy, and the European Journal of Public, which largely focus on SDG 7, SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 3. Top authors focus their research mainly on SDG 7, SDG 13, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), with few publications dedicated to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Applied Economics has emerged as the dominant field for SDGs. Further, our study is the first to incorporate social network analysis to understand the interconnected nature of SDGs in the context of business research. This research provides substantial policy insight, particularly insight relevant to the formulation of regulations that promote the alignment of business researchers with SDGs.