The role of business and management in driving the sustainable development goals (SDGs): Current insights and future directions from a systematic review

Abstract

AbstractThe pursuit of sustainable development goals (SDGs) extends beyond governmental responsibility, demanding active engagement from businesses and managers. This study systematically reviews SDG‐related research within the fields of business and management to elucidate their roles in advancing this global agenda. By analyzing a corpus of pertinent studies from Scopus and Web of Science through bibliometric–content analysis, this study not only identifies publication trends, prominent contributors, theories, contexts, and methods but also uncovers the evolving roles of businesses and managers in driving the SDGs. The main themes emerging from this analysis include (1) forging sustainable partnerships, practices, and policies, reflecting businesses' role in stakeholder collaboration and policymaking; (2) addressing contemporary sustainability challenges like artificial intelligence and the dynamics of emerging economies; (3) balancing economic advancement with environmental sustainability, highlighting businesses' impact on ecological footprints and the importance of green finance; (4) integrating financial development considerations with ecological responsibility; (5) promoting equity and well‐being, underscoring the influence of businesses and managers on societal welfare; and (6) shaping governance frameworks for sustainable production and consumption. These themes collectively paint a comprehensive picture of how business and management practices are crucial in achieving the SDGs, offering insights into current contributions, and charting potential pathways for future research and implementation.