Perspectives on Sustainable Development: The Intersection of Publishing and Academic Research in Advancing SDGs

Abstract

This viewpoint paper explores the integral roles of the publishing industry and Scopus, an eminent academic research tool, in supporting and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis begins by highlighting the crucial impact of publishing in disseminating information that heightens SDG awareness. It then delves into the SDG Publishers Compact, an initiative led by the United Nations and the International Publishers Association, examining its development, objectives, and the specific commitments it entails. This Compact represents a pivotal move towards embedding sustainable practices within the publishing sphere. Further, the paper evaluates Scopus' significant stride in incorporating SDGs into its research database, with a special focus on the addition of SDG17 in 2023. This inclusion underscores the necessity of collaborative research efforts in addressing complex global challenges. The challenges and opportunities that arise from implementing the Compact’s objectives are discussed, providing insights into the complexities involved. The paper concludes by projecting future directions in sustainable publishing and the anticipated role of data science in SDG-focused research, emphasizing the synergistic impact of publishing and academic tools in driving forward the agenda for sustainable development.