What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to analyze how sustainability goals have evolved in higher education research over 24 years.

March 29, 2026

Thematic evolution of sustainability goals in higher education: bibliometric mapping of International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (2000–2024)

Key Points

This study aims to analyze how sustainability goals have evolved in higher education research over 24 years.
Conducted bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database
Retrieved 1,576 documents including articles and reviews
Utilized VOSviewer and R Studio for thematic mapping and analysis
Sharp increase in SDG-related publications, especially after 2015
Identified three main thematic domains: policy integration, pedagogical approaches, and technical competencies
Collaboration networks primarily involve institutions from North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to map the thematic evolution and intellectual structure of research on the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education, acknowledging the transition from earlier sustainability and MDGs-oriented discourse to explicit SDGs alignment after 2015, based on publications in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education from 2000 to 2024. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, retrieving 1,576 documents (articles, reviews and editorials). VOSviewer and R Studio were used for co-occurrence mapping, strategic diagram analysis and conceptual structure mapping, enabling a triangulated exploration of thematic patterns, cognitive domains and research maturity. Findings The results reveal a sharp rise in SDG-related publications, particularly after 2015. Collaboration networks are dominated by institutions in North America, Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific, with limited participation from the Global South. Three main thematic domains were identified: (1) institutional policy and curriculum integration, (2) pedagogical approaches and ethical values and (3) technical competencies and practical implementation. Core keywords such as education for sustainable development and higher education act as bridging nodes across domains. Practical implications Findings can guide universities in aligning curricula, governance and operational practices with the SDGs. Social implications Stronger integration of SDGs in higher education may enhance societal capacity for sustainable transformation. Originality/value This 24-year, single-journal analysis uniquely integrates three complementary visual approaches, offering a comprehensive framework that connects institutional, pedagogical and technical perspectives. It addresses a gap in previous bibliometric research, which often spans multiple journals over shorter timeframes, and provides actionable insights for advancing sustainability strategies in higher education.

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