A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals

Abstract This study delves into the impact, quality, and volume of research publications regarding the significance of the circular economy (CE) in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN). To this end, bibliographic records were retrieved from the Sc...

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Main Authors: Abhinav Pal, Dolly Gaur, Pranav Raj, Kanishka Gupta, Chandan Kumar Tiwari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01570-6
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author Abhinav Pal
Dolly Gaur
Pranav Raj
Kanishka Gupta
Chandan Kumar Tiwari
author_facet Abhinav Pal
Dolly Gaur
Pranav Raj
Kanishka Gupta
Chandan Kumar Tiwari
author_sort Abhinav Pal
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study delves into the impact, quality, and volume of research publications regarding the significance of the circular economy (CE) in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN). To this end, bibliographic records were retrieved from the Scopus database. The initial analysis indicated that the majority of research available on Scopus database originates from Italy, China, and Spain, in that order. The study utilized K-structure analysis along with bibliometrics to map and underscore the aspects of intellectuality, conceptual framework, and social K-structure. The Bibliometrix package in R-Studio (version 4.3.3) along with VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliometric analysis. This method facilitated the mapping and sub-theme analysis of SDGs within the circular economy framework. The findings indicated a significant increase in circular economy (CE) research, with a 17.58% annual growth rate since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. This growth mirrors CE’s increasing prominence in sustainability conversations. Despite ongoing efforts by countries like China and Spain, international collaboration remains limited. Notable areas of research include waste management, sustainability, and resource efficiency, alongside an emerging interest in digital transformation and circular supply chains. The industry is transitioning to SDG-aligned strategies that extend beyond the recycling-focused initiatives of the past. However, the study notes a lack of strong theoretical foundations and insufficient integration with public policy, calling for interdisciplinary advancement.
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spelling doaj-art-7ee26d8a59ec4af6a4498156e66adadd2025-08-20T03:04:21ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-07-016112310.1007/s43621-025-01570-6A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goalsAbhinav Pal0Dolly Gaur1Pranav Raj2Kanishka Gupta3Chandan Kumar Tiwari4Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, NOIDA, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, NOIDA, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)Economics Area, MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education DohaVivekananda School of Business Studies, Vivekananda Institute of Professional StudiesDepartment of Business Studies, University of Technology and Applied SciencesAbstract This study delves into the impact, quality, and volume of research publications regarding the significance of the circular economy (CE) in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN). To this end, bibliographic records were retrieved from the Scopus database. The initial analysis indicated that the majority of research available on Scopus database originates from Italy, China, and Spain, in that order. The study utilized K-structure analysis along with bibliometrics to map and underscore the aspects of intellectuality, conceptual framework, and social K-structure. The Bibliometrix package in R-Studio (version 4.3.3) along with VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliometric analysis. This method facilitated the mapping and sub-theme analysis of SDGs within the circular economy framework. The findings indicated a significant increase in circular economy (CE) research, with a 17.58% annual growth rate since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. This growth mirrors CE’s increasing prominence in sustainability conversations. Despite ongoing efforts by countries like China and Spain, international collaboration remains limited. Notable areas of research include waste management, sustainability, and resource efficiency, alongside an emerging interest in digital transformation and circular supply chains. The industry is transitioning to SDG-aligned strategies that extend beyond the recycling-focused initiatives of the past. However, the study notes a lack of strong theoretical foundations and insufficient integration with public policy, calling for interdisciplinary advancement.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01570-6Circular economySustainable development goalsSustainabilitySDGsCEBibliometric
spellingShingle Abhinav Pal
Dolly Gaur
Pranav Raj
Kanishka Gupta
Chandan Kumar Tiwari
A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
Discover Sustainability
Circular economy
Sustainable development goals
Sustainability
SDGs
CE
Bibliometric
title A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
title_full A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
title_fullStr A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
title_full_unstemmed A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
title_short A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
title_sort bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals
topic Circular economy
Sustainable development goals
Sustainability
SDGs
CE
Bibliometric
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01570-6
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