Sustainable production and consumption: a bibliometric analysis of SDG-12 literature through a financial management lens

Sustainable production and consumption, as defined by the UN sustainable development goal-12 (SDG-12), are crucial, and analyzing SDG-12 from a financial management perspective is important to reveal the complexity of this field of study and opportunities. We address this gap by exploring the Scopus database and conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of SDG-12 through a financial management perspective. Based on a rigorous search protocol, we collated 11,510 high-quality articles and analyzed them using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software packages. The initial findings yielded the most influential articles, authors and institutions involved in the convergence of SDG-12 and financial management literature. We identified six primary clusters: (1) corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social, and governance and governance impact on financial and environmental outcomes; (2) sustainable supply chain management; (3) circular economy and technological innovation; (4) sustainable tourism and hospitality; (5) green innovation and corporate environmental performance; and (6) strategic integration of sustainability in corporate management and operations. This study traced the scientific evolution of the convergence of SDG-12 and financial management literature and identified critical directions for future research. It provides positive and actionable implications for both scholars and practitioners to navigate the convolution of SDG-12 vis-à-vis financial management. SDG-12 is crucial because it promotes responsible production and consumption, which directly impacts resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Studying SDG-12 through a financial management lens is vital, as financial strategies—like sustainable investments and cost analyses—drive corporate decision-making, ensuring that sustainability efforts are economically viable and scalable for long-term success. The impact of this study lies in its unique approach of analyzing SDG-12—through a financial management lens. Conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of over 11,000 articles provides valuable insights into how financial strategies like sustainable investments, cost-benefit analysis, and financial reporting contribute to corporate sustainability. The findings offer actionable frameworks for integrating financial decision-making with sustainability goals, helping organizations enhance their environmental responsibility while maintaining economic viability. This study bridges the gap between financial management and sustainability, offering critical direction for future research and practical applications in corporate strategy and policy-making.