Sustainability 15 15848
Sustainability 15 15848
Sustainability 15 15848
Article
Green Supply Chain Management Research Trends and
Linkages to UN Sustainable Development Goals
Raghu Raman 1,2, * , Aswathy Sreenivasan 3 , Suresh Ma 3 , Anand Patwardhan 4, * and Prema Nedungadi 5
1 Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, Kollam, India
2 Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati 522503, Andhra Pradesh, India
3 Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, Tamil Nadu, India;
[email protected] (A.S.); [email protected] (S.M.)
4 School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
5 Amrita School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, Kollam, India;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected] (R.R.); [email protected] (A.P.)
Abstract: Growing awareness about environmental responsibility among businesses and policymak-
ers has increased interest in Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). For the first time, using
the SDG mapping algorithms, this article focused on 7009 publications from 2013 to 2022 mapped
explicitly to 17 SDGs. This study uses bibliometric and science mapping techniques to create a
detailed mapping between GSCM research and SDGs. This study created an SDG citation network to
show how specific SDGs are related to GSCM practices. The most mapped SDGs in this study are
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production),
and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). Our results showed that GSCM research mainly focuses on
three thematic areas: industry 4.0 and sustainable supply chains, GSCM practice coordination, and
sustainable environmental policy management. This also includes integrating the circular economy
into GSCM, sustainable sourcing, supply chain resilience, digital transformation in GSCM for better
environmental performance, and the social impact of GSCM. A shift towards integrating sustainability
into supply chain processes has been found. Environmental management, performance monitoring,
and new technologies like Industry 4.0 and AI have been used to support the SDGs. International
Citation: Raman, R.; Sreenivasan, A.;
interest and collaboration in GSCM research can be seen from the bibliographic coupling study
Ma, S.; Patwardhan, A.; Nedungadi,
covering countries like Europe, Western Countries, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern
P. Green Supply Chain Management
Europe. This study shows how GSCM can directly address global challenges identified by the United
Research Trends and Linkages to UN
Sustainable Development Goals.
Nations by mapping GSCM research to specific SDGs.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ Keywords: green supply chain management; sustainable development goal; sustainable environmental
su152215848 policy management; Industry 4.0; bibliometrics; economic growth
and legislators looking to promote GSCM and its benefits to sustainable development. This
study uses scientific mapping methodologies to map the field’s intellectual structure. The
relationships between various study fields, the historical development of research themes,
and prospective future research directions will all be revealed by this mapping exercise.
The findings of this study will benefit practitioners and policymakers who seek to advance
the mapping of GSCM to SDGs in addition to adding to the scholarly literature. This paper
investigates how bibliometric research and a science mapping technique map the GSCM
research to SDGs.
In this study, the following research queries are addressed:
RQ1: What are the main thematic clusters based on keyword co-occurrence, and how
do they map to SDGs?
RQ2: How has the research focus in GSCM shifted in response to adopting the SDGs
in 2015, and what are the emerging trends and topics in the field from 2017 to 2021?
RQ3: How has international cooperation and interest in GSCM research evolved,
and which countries have contributed significantly to the field through bibliographic
coupling analysis?
RQ4: How are GSCM practices interconnected with specific SDGs, and how do these
connections impact businesses’ sustainable practices and supply chain management strategies?
The present study aims to deconstruct the research paper’s conclusions, elucidating
the interaction between GSCM and the SDGs and pinpointing areas that warrant additional
investigation. The aim is to understand how businesses may use GSCM to contribute to a
more responsible and sustainable future for the world.
The paper is divided into the following sections, each of which focuses on a different
component of the research:
Our paper is organized as follows. Section 2 provides an extensive literature review
on GSCM, identifying crucial themes and trends and forming a basis for our bibliometric
analysis. Section 3 explains the methodology, outlining the scientific mapping approach to
analyze influential publications. Section 4 details the results, analyzing thematic clusters,
keywords co-occurrence, and the relationship between GSCM and specific Sustainable De-
velopment Goals (SDGs). This study explores international collaboration shifts in keywords
trends from 2017–2021. Section 5 suggests future research directions, and finally, in Section 6,
the study concludes by summarizing key findings, implications, and study limitations.
2. Literature Review
Previously, it appeared that integrating Supply Chain Management (SCM) into cor-
porate operations may help businesses gain a competitive edge [16]. Utilizing GSCM,
organizations may more effectively manage environmental challenges and expand their
economic potential [17]. Even with the addition of the “green” component, GSCM main-
tains a comparable approach to its core concept in conventional SCM [18]. From a supply
chain viewpoint, the environmental management principles gave rise to GSCM [19,20].
Although GSCM and SCM share a similar focus, GSCM still depends on research goals to
determine whether it should only address the procurement stage or the entire logistical
channel [21]. GSCM requires a thorough and clear definition because the combination of
corporate environmental management and SCM is still a relatively new field of research
and practical application [21]. Green et al. [22] created the idea of green GSCM. They coined
the phrase “green supply chain” to describe the novel SCM and industrialized purchasing
technique considering the environmental context.
Within the green and sustainable Supply Chain Management (SCM) literature, a prior
study has concentrated on various topics relating to organizational research and real-world
applications. Multiple previously published works recently examined the problems with
green SCM using various techniques and strategies. For instance, Fahimnia et al. [23]
undertook a detailed bibliometric and network study, shedding light on different GSCM
areas that need to be understood and assessed by more reviews. The findings show that a
small number of scholars create essential works. The majority of works are conducted in
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 4 of 27
Europe, followed by North America. The impact of Asia is growing. The most compelling
research is conceptual and empirical.
In [24], the authors address a lacuna in scholarship by exploring the nexus between
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Devel-
opment Goals (SDGs). Utilizing a methodical review of 97 publications in conjunction with
an examination of sustainability reports from leading Forbes companies, the study identifies
areas requiring further inquiry. Specifically, it reveals a tendency among both corporations
and existing literature to focus on select SDGs. The current study differentiates itself by
employing Elsevier’s machine learning algorithms to map a robust dataset of 7009 pub-
lications to each of the 17 SDGs, thereby overcoming the limitations of keyword-based
searches. The expanded dataset, spanning a decade, enhances the study’s reliability and
generalizability. Additionally, the use of the Scopus database provides a broader range of
journals and conferences for analysis when compared to Web of Sciences, thereby enriching
the scholarly context.
Similarly, de Oliveira et al. [25] conducted a thorough literature study and bibliometric
analysis of publications published between 2006 and 2016, providing a comprehensive
view of GSCM practices. They analyzed the subject’s behavior across the previous ten years.
The findings indicate that 40% of research concentrated on GSCM advantages and 10%
on hurdles. Future studies may explore ways to remove obstacles. Questionnaire-based
empirical research was common. Fuzzy logic was applied in mathematical models (36%).
Maditati et al. [26] thoroughly analyzed the structural links between the drivers, practice
indicators, and performance metrics of the GSCM literature. GSCM research’s important
journals, organizations, and papers on the rise were determined by bibliometric analy-
sis. Leading journals include “The International Journal of Production Economics”, “The
International Journal of Production Research”, and “The Journal of Cleaner Production”.
Following citation mapping and content analysis, six research streams were identified:
“(1) conceptualization and sensemaking; (2) performance impact of GSCM; (3) incorpo-
ration of green and sustainable operations in the supply chain; (4) development of green
suppliers; (5) GSCM implementation drivers; and (6) review and future research direc-
tions”. An extensive conceptual framework was provided based on a content analysis of
the 39 publications that received the most significant citations. Gong et al. [27] investigated
the research state and evolving GSCM frontiers in a separate study. The totality of existing
research on the requirements, methods, and efficiency of GSCM is critically analyzed by
Balon [28]. The extensive merger has been reduced to GSCM pressures, which include CSR,
investment recovery, government laws and regulations, and the green market. Environ-
mental, operational, and financial factors are all evaluated by GSCM’s success. Fahim and
Mahadi [29] performed a bibliometric analysis of the data from the previous 20 years in
a separate study, revealing new areas in the GSCM sector. Environmental concerns have
fueled the rapid development and rising acceptance of GSCM among scholars. Choud-
hary and Sangwan [30] critically evaluated the literature on GSCM pressure, practice, and
performance for manufacturing organizations. Their evaluation is based on bibliometric,
network, and frequency analysis findings. According to the study, researchers evaluated
GSCM constructs and measures as their focus areas changed. This study also notes the
need for case studies with more quantitative data and advises using life cycle analysis
to quantify environmental performance. Zhang and Zhao [31] performed a bibliometric
analysis of the GSCM in the platform economy literature. Through co-keyword analysis,
they identified several popular topics related to GSCM-PE. First, there is much interest in
researching how supply chain management might be applied in the context of Internet
platforms, along with pertinent management techniques. Second, scientists are interested
in examining how supply chain sustainability might be attained by utilizing principles of
the “circular economy”, “blockchain technology”, “Internet of Things (IoT) technology”,
and other “cutting-edge methods”. Third, the platform economy emphasizes technical in-
novation, information exchange, and related challenges. Bottani and Murino [32] provided
a meta-analysis of review papers focusing on GSCM in a distinct study. This work has
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 5 of 27
focused on different analyses from various papers utilizing bibliographic and bibliometric
tools. The synthesis of the review papers on GSCM is shown in Table 1.
3. Methodology
This study uses a bibliometric and science mapping approach to evaluate how the
literature on GSCM and SDGs is integrated. The analysis covers 8305 articles from various
sources and focuses on documents released between 2013 and 2022. The SciVal database,
which offers access to a sizable collection of scholarly literature, including articles, confer-
ence papers, and other Scopus academic publications, serves as this study’s primary data
source. Using precise search terms linked to GSCM and sustainable development objectives,
pertinent documents could be located in the SciVal database. By incorporating the Else-
vier 2021 SDG mappings into SciVal, researchers and institutions may use pre-established
Research Areas to track and highlight progress toward meeting SDG targets [33,34]. To
include the most recent and pertinent papers, inclusion criteria included those published
throughout the selected period (2013–2022). Duplicate records and unrelated materials
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 6 of 27
were weeded out, leaving only documents directly relevant to the topic of the study. To
pinpoint essential patterns, trends, and characteristics in the literature on GSCM, a quanti-
tative analysis of the recovered documents was conducted as part of the bibliometric study.
Several bibliometric measures were examined to obtain insight into the general landscape
of GSCM research.
A widespread tool for analyzing and visualizing bibliometric networks is VOSviewer.
The software creates theme clusters and visualizes the connections between diverse re-
search fields. Bibliometric and science mapping studies are carried out using the methods
suggested by Achuthan et al. [35] and Sreenivasan et al. [12] to delve deeper into the
topic. The process of conducting research ends with the creation of recommendations
for additional research. Numerous disciplines, including “marketing”, “management”,
“services”, and “innovation”, have made extensive use of bibliometric analysis [36–38].
This approach is valuable for monitoring current research trends and identifying emerging
study topics [30,39–41]. This approach’s forward-looking nature makes it ideal for identify-
ing new patterns in a particular area [42,43]. The current study used network analysis to
pinpoint key research areas, monitor developments, and investigate new areas of inquiry.
Country and journal bibliographies were used as part of the research approach to assess
how comparable the cited publications were [23]. This study also looked into social network
analysis. The actors and the relationships in a given setting are the two main themes of
social network analysis, which aims to comprehend networks and their participants [44,45].
The visualizing application VOSviewer, widely used for science mapping purposes, was
employed [46–50].
Ours is the first study of its kind, and it examines how GSCM impacts each SDG.
While earlier studies have established a link between GSCM and sustainability, this study
goes one step further by offering a thorough analysis that links specific articles to each
of the 17 different SDGs. Recent studies have looked at the explicit publication mapping
from various thematic areas to SDGs, including interpretive structural modeling [12], green
hydrogen [39], women entrepreneurs [40], and cyberbullying [35].
Currently, several initiatives link research papers to the SDGs:
1. The SDG-questions effort from the Aurora-Network-Global [51] provides thorough
questions for sustainable development research.
2. Through an examination of topic landscapes, patterns of collaboration, and funding
sources, Digital Science’s SDG mapping program enables a profound understanding
of sustainable development research.
3. The University of Auckland’s SDG Mapping program visualizes the connection
between research results and the SDGs [52].
4. The mapping and monitoring of global progress on sustainable development is a
committed objective of the STRINGS effort [53].
5. Elsevier’s SDG Mapping Initiative extensively maps publications to each of the 17
SDGs [54].
Because it effortlessly connects with the SciVal database and offers pre-set search
queries for each SDG, this study employed the Digital Science SDG initiative for the
research [55,56]. Experts and academics have thoroughly reviewed and improved this
program, and it is progressively using a machine-learning approach to increase accuracy.
The methodology follows the SPAR-4-SLR protocol established by Paul et al. [57]. The
stages of the protocol are illustrated in Figure 1.
Assembling
The first step in the process involves collecting publications for analysis, known as
assembling. In this study, the SciVal database was utilized in July 2023 to search for publica-
tions that included GSCM and its associated terms. Relevant keywords, titles, and abstracts
were used as part of the search parameters. Researchers retrieved 8305 publications from
2013–2022. Of these, 7009 are mapped to SDGs.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 7 of 27
Arranging
The next step, arranging, involves organizing and refining the articles through inclu-
sion and exclusion criteria. Several pieces of information, such as the journal title, author
name, publication title, country of affiliation, total publications (TP), and total citations (TC),
were used as codes to categorize the search data of publications. These codes facilitated the
organization and examination of the data in a more structured and systematic manner. The
filtering process did not exclude any journals.
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW
Assessing 7 of 29
The last step is the study’s assessment phase, which involves reporting and evaluation.
The evaluation portion of the article gives a general description of the analysis technique
utilized and analyses the study’s shortcomings. VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) was the most
[55,56]. Experts and academics have thoroughly reviewed and improved this program,
often used software for evaluation and trend analysis. Since no human subjects or sensitive
and it is progressively using a machine-learning approach to increase accuracy.
information was used, no ethics approval was necessary because the review relied on
The methodology follows the SPAR-4-SLR protocol established by Paul et al. [57].
secondary data made publicly accessible through SciVal.
The stages of the protocol are illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure1.1.SPAR-4-SLR
Figure SPAR-4-SLR[57].
[57].
Assembling
The first step in the process involves collecting publications for analysis, known as
assembling. In this study, the SciVal database was utilized in July 2023 to search for pub-
lications that included GSCM and its associated terms. Relevant keywords, titles, and ab-
stracts were used as part of the search parameters. Researchers retrieved 8305 publications
from 2013–2022. Of these, 7009 are mapped to SDGs.
nique utilized and analyses the study’s shortcomings. VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) was
most often used software for evaluation and trend analysis. Since no human subjects
sensitive information was used, no ethics approval was necessary because the review
lied on secondary data made publicly accessible through SciVal.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 8 of 27
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Thematic Clusters and Their SDG Mappings Based on Keywords
4. Results and Discussion
The findings
4.1. Thematic in this
Clusters and section
Their SDGspecifically
Mappings Basedaddress RQ1: What are the main thema
on Keywords
clusters inTheGSCM
findingsresearch, and how
in this section do they
specifically relateRQ1:
address to SDGs?
What are the main thematic
The thematic
clusters in GSCMcluster
research,findings
and how doshowed that
they relate existing GSCM studies concentrate
to SDGs?
The thematic
three clusters. To addressclusterthe
findings showed
problems that existing
caused GSCM
by climate studiesand
change concentrate
resourceondepleti
three clusters. To address the problems caused by climate change and resource depletion,
researchers have studied various “sustainable environmental policy management topic
researchers have studied various “sustainable environmental policy management topics”,
“Industry 4.0”,
“Industry and
4.0”, and“green
“green supply chain
supply chain coordination”.
coordination”. The co-occurrence
The co-occurrence network network
cluster clus
is shown in Figure
is shown in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2. Thematic
Figure clusters
2. Thematic clustersand
and their SDG
their SDG mappings
mappings based
based on keywords.
on keywords.
Table 2 shows the co-occurrence network cluster theme and top ten keywords.
Table 2 shows the co-occurrence network cluster theme and top ten keywords.
Cluster 1-Sustainable Environmental Policy Management:
Managing sustainable environmental policies in supply networks is this research clus-
ter’s key area of interest. The evaluation and improvement of supply networks’ economic
and environmental performance is the main objective of the studies in this cluster. Compa-
nies are strongly encouraged to adopt green designs, apply green purchasing practices, and
incorporate GSCM principles into their operations by external forces, including legislative
responsibilities and stakeholder expectations.
Cluster 2-Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Supply Chains:
This study explores the meeting point between Industry 4.0 and sustainable supply
networks. It examines how digitalization and cutting-edge technologies affect supply
chain operations, emphasizing manufacturing and industrial facilities. The main issues
within this cluster are the environmental sustainability of supply chains and the production
of sustainable value. The study also investigates how Industry 4.0 may support and
facilitate green supply chain practices while enabling sustainable production in diverse
industries and nations. By looking at these issues, the cluster intends to shed light on the
possible advantages and opportunities that result from incorporating Industry 4.0 ideas
into sustainable supply chain management. Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI)
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 9 of 27
propel a significant change in global supply chain management. They improve productivity,
visibility, sustainability, and flexibility, but also highlight new workforce development and
cybersecurity difficulties. By implementing these technologies, businesses can improve
their supply chains’ responsiveness, agility, and sustainability, giving them a competitive
advantage in the current global marketplace. Large volumes of data from many sources,
such as sensors, Internet of Things devices, and historical data, can be processed by AI. This
skill
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER makes improved inventory optimization, risk management, and demand forecasting
REVIEW 9 of 29
possible. Automation and robots are two examples of Industry 4.0 technologies for material
handling,
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW packaging, and quality control duties. Throughout the supply chain, blockchain 9 of 29
technology provides safe, open, and verifiable record-keeping. This guarantees that all
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW
participants may trust the
Table 2. Co-occurrence datacluster
network and that it is unchangeable. The workforce needed9 to
details. of 29
operate and maintain innovative technologies in GSCM is a prerequisite for their acceptance.
Cluster Theme Employee Topand
upskilling
Table 2. Co-occurrence
Ten Keywords
training
network are essential
cluster
SDG Mappings
details. to ensure the technology is used efficiently.
formance. The research attempts to explore strategies to enhance the overall environmental
sustainability of supply chains through efficient coordination, technological development,
and creative practices by addressing these factors.
Cluster 1-Sustainable Environmental Policy Management:
The articles in this cluster examine the connection between leadership, operational
practices, and environmental performance and offer frameworks for efficient green supply
chain practices. A proactive approach to enhancing environmental performance inside
organizations is known as GSCM. Companies are pressured to improve their GSCM prac-
tices due to mounting stakeholder and regulatory pressures. Green purchasing, green
design, product recovery programs, and encouraging cooperation with customers and
suppliers are some variables that influence these practices. Fuzzy DEMATEL is used by
Lin [58] in a groundbreaking study on GSCM techniques that provides insightful informa-
tion. According to Lin [58], GSCM is a proactive strategy that businesses use to enhance
their environmental performance. Environmental regulations and growing stakeholder
demand make this strategy more critical. Businesses increasingly realize the importance of
including eco-friendly practices in their supply chains. This article maps to SDG 9 (Industry,
Innovation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption). In addition to fostering innovation
within industries and their infrastructure (SDG 9) and actively promoting responsible con-
sumption, production, and resource efficiency throughout the supply chain (SDG 12), the
article uses fuzzy DEMATEL to assess GSCM practices. The paper significantly advances
the cause of sustainable development and environmental stewardship by addressing these
essential SDGs.
The relationship between environmental taxes, the adoption of green technologies, and
sustainable development is examined by Krass et al. [59]. Their study makes an important
discovery about how tax rises affect businesses. It implies that a company’s reaction to
an initial tax hike might not be predictable. A temporary tax rise might encourage the
company to use greener technologies in some circumstances. Their study argues that
one method to mitigate the non-monotone tax effect and increase the parameters over
which enterprises choose green technology is to supplement environmental taxation with
fixed-cost subsidies and consumer refunds. These policy tools can accomplish economic
and environmental goals concurrently, as they frequently move social welfare closer to
the centralized solution. This article maps to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 7 (Affordable and
Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 17 (Partnerships). Environmental taxes
and the adoption of green technologies can significantly alleviate poverty by encouraging
sustainable economic growth and the creation of green jobs, which can result in improved
livelihoods and income prospects for marginalized people (SDG 1). The article’s emphasis
on environmentally friendly technology supports SDG 7 because it seeks to encourage the
use of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Environmental taxes can promote
the switch to renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies, helping to ensure
that everyone has access to inexpensive, clean energy (SDG 7). Examining the connection
between environmental taxes and adopting green technologies has consequences for fair
employment and economic development.
Green technology can help sustainable economic growth by generating new employ-
ment possibilities in renewable energy and other green industries (SDG 8). Governments,
industries, and other stakeholders must work together to address environmental issues
and encourage the use of green technology. Sustainable development initiatives and part-
nerships for achieving the SDGs can be funded through environmental levies (SDG 17).
Dubey et al. [60] explore how institutional forces, operational practices, and leadership
styles affect environmental performance in the GSCM framework. This article maps to
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption). An empirical study
on the connections between supplier relationship management, total quality management,
leadership, institutional pressures, and environmental performance was carried out by
Dubey et al. [60]. Understanding these dynamics is aided by the study’s methodology, data
analysis, and conclusions, especially regarding green supply chain networks. It supports
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 11 of 27
current ideas and literature by highlighting institutional forces and leadership’s role in
influencing environmental performance inside enterprises. The article does support SDG 9:
“Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure”. The research supports broader global efforts
to develop resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization,
and foster innovation that benefits society and the environment by fostering sustainable
industrialization and innovation within GSCM. SDG 9 aspires to promote infrastructural
development and technical breakthroughs that support sustainable practices and economic
growth while enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the industry. Additionally,
it promotes responsible consumption and production by adopting ecologically friendly
operational practices throughout the supply chain, which supports SDG 12. These efforts
collectively represent significant advances toward realizing the more general objectives of
sustainable development and environmental preservation.
Cluster 2-Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Supply Chains:
In the framework of Industry 4.0, Stock and Seliger [61] undertake a groundbreaking
study on sustainable manufacturing. Stock and Seliger [61] discuss how globalization has
made sustainability more important than ever and how Industry 4.0 offers a chance to
develop sustainable manufacturing techniques. The article reviews Industry 4.0 and uses
real-world examples like retrofitting to show how integrating data-driven methods and
cutting-edge technologies might lead to more environmentally friendly industrial practices.
This subject is especially pertinent in solving social and environmental issues while satis-
fying demands on the world economy. This article maps to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation)
and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption). The paper examines the use of Industry 4.0
techniques and technology to advance environmentally friendly production. Sustainable
manufacturing contributes to sustainable industrialization using environmentally friendly
procedures and resource-saving production techniques. Industry 4.0, which incorporates
cutting-edge technology, symbolizes a paradigm leap in production. The article empha-
sizes the possibilities for applying sustainable practices provided by these technologies,
which aligns to encourage innovation for sustainable development (SDG 9). Increasing the
efficiency of production processes can result in more sustainable manufacturing in Industry
4.0. The article improves resource efficiency by using cutting-edge technologies to expedite
manufacturing and reduce resource usage (SDG 12). GSCM is the focus of a thorough
review and bibliometric analysis by Fahimnia et al. [23] that emphasizes its importance
for sustainable development. Fahimnia et al. [23] use network analysis and bibliometric
approaches to provide a distinctive and perceptive evaluation of green supply chain man-
agement. This method thoroughly explains the field’s history, necessary fields of study,
and significant figures. The study’s conclusions guide further investigation, supporting
continuous efforts to improve the sustainability of supply chain management techniques.
This article maps to SDG 9 and SDG 12. SDG 9 aspires to advance inclusive and sustainable
industrialization, boost innovation, and create resilient infrastructure. The GSCM article is
pertinent to this objective since it emphasizes sustainable business practices, particularly in
supply networks.
Industries can lessen their adverse effects on the environment, encourage resource
efficiency, and support sustainable growth by implementing green practices. The SDG
12 objective is related to the GSCM article, which examines methods and strategies for
promoting ethical consumption and production. A comparative literature review is pro-
vided by Ahi and Searcy [62] to define the terms “green” and “sustainable” supply chain
management. Ahi and Searcy’s [62] methodical analysis and comparison of the current
definitions of GSCM and SSCM is a valuable contribution to supply chain management
and sustainability. They clarify the meanings and applications of these words and offer a
revised definition for SSCM to remedy the dearth of thorough explanations in the literature.
This study is an invaluable resource for academics and industry professionals who wish to
learn more about and utilize the concepts of sustainability in supply chain management.
This article maps to SDG 9 and SDG 12. The SDG 9 goal is addressed in the article on
comparative literature analysis of green and sustainable supply chain management def-
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 12 of 27
4.2. Temporal
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW
The mappingEvolution of Keywords
overlay approach was utilized to understand the progression 15 of 29
in ex-
panding the journals
The findings of the
in this category
section in front address
specifically of the knowledge
RQ2. domains [66]. This visual-
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overlay VOSviewer’s wasoverlay
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keywords Figures
were 3–6.
primarily used,
The color bar shows that before 2008 and after 2014, blue and red keywords were primar-
indicating a shift ainshift
ily used, indicating theinstudy focus.
the study After
focus. Afterthe
theSDGs wereadopted
SDGs were adopted in 2015,
in 2015, the the overlay
visualization findings
overlay visualization of co-occurring
findings of co-occurringterms
termsare
areshown
shown in inFigures
Figures 3–6.
3–6.
Figure
Figure
Figure 3.The
3.3.TheThe overlay
overlay
overlay visualization
visualization
visualization results
results
results of
ofco-occurred
co-occurred
of co-occurred keywords
keywords
keywords after
after SDG SDG
after adoption
SDG
adoption in 2015.in late
adoption
late 2015.
in late 2015.
(a) (b)
(a) 4. (a) Co-occurred keywords for the year 2017. (b) Co-occurred keywords
Figure (b) for the year 2018.
Figure 4. (a) Co-occurred keywords for the year 2017. (b) Co-occurred keywords for the year 2018.
Figure 4. (a) Co-occurred keywords for the year 2017. (b) Co-occurred keywords for the year 2018.
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 29
Sustainability 2023,
Sustainability 2023, 15,
15, 15848
x FOR PEER REVIEW 16
15 of 29
of 27
In Figure 3, the overlay visualization shows the growth of the top keywords in GSCM
from6.2017
Figure to 2021. The visualization is based
2021.on keyword co-occurrence, which shows
Figure 6.Co-occurred
Co-occurred keywords forthe
keywords for theyear
year2021.
how frequently different keywords occur together in the same papers in order to show
howInthey are 3,
Figure related.
the overlay visualization shows the growth of the top keywords in GSCM
from 2017 to 2021. The visualization is based on keyword co-occurrence, which shows
how frequently different keywords occur together in the same papers in order to show
how they are related.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 16 of 27
In Figure 3, the overlay visualization shows the growth of the top keywords in GSCM
from 2017 to 2021. The visualization is based on keyword co-occurrence, which shows how
frequently different keywords occur together in the same papers in order to show how they
are related.
The temporal evolution of co-occurring keywords for 2017 is shown in Figure 4a, and
for 2018 is shown in Figure 4b.
After the SDGs were adopted in late 2015, initial research in 2017 mainly concentrated
on essential elements like environmental management, performance evaluation, and reverse
logistics. There is an increasing focus on sustainable practices and effective operations, as
seen by the themes of carbon footprint, factor analysis, eco-efficiency, transportation, and
multi-objective optimization (Figure 4a).
2018 saw an increase in the emphasis on “green supply chain” and “sustainable supply
chain”, indicating a paradigm shift towards integrating environmental issues into the entire
supply chain process; “lean manufacturing” was also widely used, indicating a growing
focus on resource optimization and waste reduction. Along with the investigation of
“Interpretive Structural Modelling” and “Analytic Hierarchy Process” for decision-making
in GSCM, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) attracted attention as a critical component
of sustainable practices (Figure 4b).
The temporal evolution of co-occurring keywords for 2019 is shown in Figure 5a, and
for 2020, it is shown in Figure 5b.
As crucial pillars of GSCM, “green manufacturing” and “sustainability” were the focus
of research topics in 2019. “Environmental performance” and “sustainable manufactur-
ing” were intimately related to these ideas, emphasizing the dedication to environmental
responsibility. The phrase “triple bottom line” became an essential framework, denoting
a greater acceptance of social and economic issues in addition to environmental ones. To
monitor and evaluate sustainability performance, techniques including “DEMATEL” and
“MCDM” were applied, reflecting a developing body of GSCM research (Figure 5a).
Moving forward, 2020 saw the emergence of the “circular economy” as a vital issue,
highlighting the significance of closing the loop and fostering resource efficiency throughout
supply chains. The emphasis on “green innovation” and “sustainable performance” shows
increased interest in evaluating unique sustainable practices. The “circular supply chain”
gained popularity and aligns with the circular economy idea. The convergence of “big
data” and the “Internet of Things” (IoT) also demonstrated the expanding significance of
digital technology in promoting sustainable practices. The concept of a “low-carbon supply
chain” became notable, showing the industry’s dedication to lowering carbon emissions
(Figure 5b).
The temporal evolution of co-occurring keywords for the year 2021 is shown in
Figure 6.
In 2021, GSCM research shifted toward adopting cutting-edge technology and tackling
global concerns. As a result of the industry’s push to implement advanced solutions for sus-
tainable supply chain practices, terms like “Industry 4.0” and “digital transformation” have
gained popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic, a significant global disruption, highlighted
the need for resilient and adaptable supply chains and became a key study topic. The SDGs
have retained significance, showing a continued commitment to supply chain practices
aligning with sustainability goals. The terms “blockchain” and “artificial intelligence” were
also hot topics since they may provide answers for boosting GSCM efficiency, transparency,
and traceability.
The sector has advanced substantially by fusing environmental management, perfor-
mance monitoring, and cutting-edge technologies like Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence
while supporting the SDGs. These developments highlight the sector’s unwavering com-
mitment to sustainability and the implementation of advanced techniques to build a more
robust and sustainable supply chain ecosystem.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 17 of 27
Figure7.7.Bibliographic
Figure BibliographicCoupling
Coupling of countries andtemporal
countries and temporalevolution.
evolution.
The
Thetrajectory
trajectory of GSCM
GSCMresearch
researchover
overthethe
lastlast
fivefive years
years doesdoes
pointpoint to significant
to significant ad-
advancements toward
vancements toward thethe
SDGSDG 20302030 targets
targets set bysetthe
byUN.
the Research
UN. Research has expanded
has expanded its geo- its
geographic scope
graphic scope andand developed
developed andand developing
developing countries
countries haveparticipating
have been been participating
more and more
and more.
more. ThisThis participation
participation and and involvement
involvement reflect
reflect the accomplishment
the accomplishment of the of the and
SDGs SDGs theand
worldwide
the worldwide commitment
commitment to sustainability.
to sustainability.
Thebibliographic
The bibliographiccoupling
coupling of countries
countries for
forthe
theyear
year2017
2017isisshown
shown inin
Figure
Figure8. 8.
In 2017, the GSCM research landscape was primarily dominated by European nations,
such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, followed closely by Singapore. This
period signifies the initiation of sustainable practices within the supply chain management
domain, primarily by developed nations.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2018 is shown in Figure 9.
The subsequent year, 2018, saw a considerable expansion of research to Western
countries, namely the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, and Australia. This
represents a growing awareness and commitment towards sustainability within these
developed nations, significantly contributing to the global discourse on GSCM.
, x FOR PEER REVIEW 19 of 29
In 2017, the GSCM research landscape was primarily dominated by European na-
tions, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, followed closely by Singapore.
This period signifies the initiation of sustainable practices within the supply chain man-
agement domain, primarily by developed nations.
The bibliographic
Figurecoupling of countries
8. Bibliographic coupling of for the year
countries 2018
for year 2017.is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 8. Bibliographic coupling of countries for year 2017.
In 2017, the GSCM research landscape was primarily dominated by European na-
tions, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, followed closely by Singapore.
This period signifies the initiation of sustainable practices within the supply chain man-
agement domain, primarily by developed nations.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2018 is shown in Figure 9.
The bibliographic
The subsequent year, 2018, sawcoupling of countriesexpansion
a considerable for the year of
2019research
is shown in
toFigure 10.
Western
countries, namely the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, and Australia. This
represents a growing awareness and commitment towards sustainability within these de-
veloped nations, significantly contributing to the global discourse on GSCM.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2019 is shown in Figure 10.
represents a growing awareness and commitment towards sustainability within these de-
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 19 of 27
veloped nations, significantly contributing to the global discourse on GSCM.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2019 is shown in Figure 10.
By 2019, GSCM research had extended its reach to the Middle East and Southeast
Figure 10. Bibliographic coupling ofcoupling
Figure 10. Bibliographic countries for the year
of countries 2019.
for the year 2019.
Asia, with active contributions from countries like Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, the United
Arab Emirates, and By Thailand.
2019, GSCMThis expansion
research indicates
had extended a shift the
its reach in attention towards devel-
By 2019, GSCM research had extended its reach to thetoMiddle Middle East
East and and Southeast
Southeast
Asia, with active contributions from countries like Indonesia, Iran,
oping countries, demonstrating their engagement in sustainability practices and pursuit Turkey, the United Arab
Asia, with active contributions
Emirates, and Thailand.from
Thiscountries
expansion like Indonesia,
indicates a shift in Iran, Turkey,
attention towards the United
developing
of SDGs.
Arab Emirates, and Thailand.
countries, This expansion
demonstrating indicates
their engagement a shift inpractices
in sustainability attentionandtowards
pursuit ofdevel-
SDGs.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2020 is shown in Figure 11.
oping countries, demonstrating
The bibliographictheir engagement
coupling of countriesinforsustainability
the year 2020 is practices and pursuit
shown in Figure 11.
of SDGs.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2020 is shown in Figure 11.
In 2020, the focus became truly international, with contributions from nations such
In 2020, the focus became truly international, with contributions from nations such
as Pakistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Ghana, Vietnam, and Lithuania. This
as Pakistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Ghana, Vietnam, and Lithuania. This
growing diversity in research participation underscores the global nature of the SDGs and
growing diversity in research participation underscores the global nature of the SDGs and
the necessity for worldwide cooperation and commitment.
the necessity for worldwide cooperation and commitment.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2021 is shown in Figure 12.
The bibliographic coupling of countries for the year 2021 is shown in Figure 12.
Finally, in 2021,
2021, GSCM
GSCM research
research grew
grew more
more inclusive,
inclusive, involving
involving perspectives from
Africa
Africa and
and Eastern
EasternEurope.
Europe.WithWithactive
activeresearch
researchcontributions
contributions from
fromcountries
countrieslike Ethiopia,
like Ethio-
Iraq, and and
pia, Iraq, Ukraine, this inclusivity
Ukraine, is crucial
this inclusivity for realizing
is crucial for realizingthe UN’s SDGSDG
the UN’s 2030 2030
goals.goals.
From 2017 to 2021, countries that contributed to review papers on GSCM showed a
steady rise in interest and collaboration in the topic, according to a bibliographic coupling
study. From a small number of European nations, the research landscape has grown to
include contributions from
include contributions frommany
manyother
otherparts
partsofofthethe world.
world. This This development
development denotes
denotes the
the expanding
expanding significance
significance of global
of global environmental
environmental and sustainability
and sustainability issuesissues in supply
in supply chain
chain management.
management.
Regarding
Regarding Jeff
Jeff Sachs’
Sachs’Sustainable
SustainableDevelopment
DevelopmentReport Report(SDR),
(SDR), wewe cancan
seesee
thatthat
the the
na-
tions participating in GSCM research have various rankings in the SDG
nations participating in GSCM research have various rankings in the SDG Index [69]. Re- Index [69]. Regard-
less of each
gardless of country’s specific specific
each country’s level of development, this diversethis
level of development, engagement strengthens
diverse engagement
the global community’s obligation to work towards the SDGs.
strengthens the global community’s obligation to work towards the SDGs. Thus, Thus, the growth of GSCMthe
research is a step toward the SDGs and emphasizes the broad applicability
growth of GSCM research is a step toward the SDGs and emphasizes the broad applica- and significance
of sustainable
bility practices,
and significance ofparticularly
sustainable in supply chain
practices, management.
particularly in supply chain management.
In
In conclusion, the globalization of GSCM research isisa sign
conclusion, the globalization of GSCM research a sign that
that thethe
SDGSDG 20302030 ob-
objec-
jectives of the UN are being met. It emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated
tives of the UN are being met. It emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated strategy for strategy
for sustainability in which developed and developing countries cooperate to achieve the
sustainability in which developed and developing countries cooperate to achieve the
shared aim of a sustainable future.
shared aim of a sustainable future.
4.4. SDG Network
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 21 of 27
The findings in this section specifically address RQ4.
RQ4: How are GSCM practices interconnected with specific SDGs, and how do these
connections impact4.4.
businesses’
SDG Network sustainable practices and supply chain management strat-
egies? The findings in this section specifically address RQ4.
This section helpsRQ4:
in answering
How are GSCM RQ4. Modern
practices business practices
interconnected now
with specific SDGs,critically
and howem- do these
connections impact businesses’ sustainable practices and supply
phasize mapping GSCM to SDGs. Understanding the connections between certain SDGs chain management strategies?
This section helps in answering RQ4. Modern business practices now critically em-
and GSCM practices is crucial as businesses work to align their operations with global
phasize mapping GSCM to SDGs. Understanding the connections between certain SDGs
sustainability goals.
andCreating an SDG
GSCM practices is network that highlights
crucial as businesses work totwoalignseparate clusters
their operations that
with global
symbolize the interconnected
sustainability SDGs is one method
goals. Creating for visualizing
an SDG network these
that highlights twolinkages. In this that
separate clusters
symbolize the
regard, this study provides the interconnected
“Red Cluster” SDGs
andisthe
one“Green
method for visualizing
Cluster,” each these linkages. of
consisting In this
regard, this study provides the “Red Cluster” and the “Green Cluster”, each consisting of a
a collection of SDGs with ties to GSCM projects. Figure 13 shows the SDG network.
collection of SDGs with ties to GSCM projects. Figure 13 shows the SDG network.
portation optimization, companies can effectively mitigate their carbon footprint across
the whole supply chain. This aligns with SDG 13’s goals to mitigate the effects of climate
change. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and
Infrastructure) are connected to GSCM by creating green jobs, fostering innovation in green
technologies, and building resilient infrastructure. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production) is directly linked to GSCM principles, encouraging companies to reduce waste,
recycle materials, and produce sustainably. Finally, SDGs 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life
on Land) can be supported by GSCM through the minimization of pollution and waste,
preservation of biodiversity, and responsible use of terrestrial and aquatic resources in the
supply chain. By prioritizing sustainability, companies can contribute to these SDGs and
play a significant role in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
The Green Cluster is made up of SDGs that are linked to GSCM initiatives and cover
both social and economic facets. Building robust and sustainable supply chains, fostering
social well-being, and fostering economic growth depend on achieving these objectives.
GSCM is vital in advancing several SDGs. By championing fair trade and sustainable sourc-
ing, GSCM supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) by promoting sustainable livelihoods and SDG 2
(Zero Hunger) by bolstering food security. The fair trade and sustainable sourcing methods
that GSCM advocates can aid in creating long-term employment opportunities for supply
chain participants. This, in turn, creates prospects for steady income generation, which
advances the goal of eliminating poverty. Simultaneously, reducing harmful emissions and
waste within GSCM safeguards environmental health, contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health
and Well-being), and supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by minimizing water
usage and contamination. The commitment of GSCM to minimize waste and hazardous
emissions protects the environment. Through the mitigation of environmental elements
that can be harmful to human health. Environments that are healthier support general well-
being. Clean water and sanitation are goals that are supported by GSCM activities, which
reduce water consumption and contamination in their operations. Reducing pollution and
water use contributes to the preservation of this essential resource. GSCM’s commitment
to equal opportunities can drive progress towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality), while prac-
tices of fair trade and non-discrimination can help address SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Promoting sustainable resource use by GSCM contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities
and Communities), and ethical business practices intrinsic to GSCM foster transparency
and accountability, indirectly bolstering SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Thus, GSCM, while primarily associated with environmental sustainability, intertwines
with numerous facets of global sustainable development. While these connections might
not be as direct as with other SDGs, GSCM, when implemented thoughtfully, can positively
contribute to a broad range of SDGs.
6. Conclusions
This study used bibliometric analysis and science mapping to investigate the relation-
ship between GSCM and SDGs. It successfully answered research questions and provided
information on the connections between GSCM and SDGs, knowledge gaps, new trends,
and how different SDGs are aligned with GSCM. The literature on GSCM identified three
main areas of focus: Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Supply Chains, Green Supply Chain
Management Coordination, and Sustainable Environmental Policy Management. By com-
paring several GSCM themes to certain SDGs, these clusters emphasize the significance of
incorporating environmental sustainability into supply chain activities to progress SDGs.
The overlay keyword visualization addressed RQ2 and showed that innovative tech-
nologies and sustainable practices that support the SDGs are being more widely adopted.
It also showed that research interests in GSCM are changing. The transition in the sup-
ply chain process from environmental management to total sustainability represents a
paradigm shift in favor of comprehensive measures. Bibliographic coupling between na-
tions demonstrated interest in and cooperation with GSCM research worldwide, extending
outside of Europe and demonstrating the awareness of global sustainability issues, ad-
dressing RQ3. The SDG network study demonstrated the relationships between particular
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 24 of 27
SDGs and GSCM activities. The red cluster concentrated on environmental and social
factors, while the green cluster addressed SDGs about social and economic dimensions.
This analysis addressed RQ4 and highlighted how GSCM can support the 2030 Agenda
and several SDGs.
The study furnishes a nuanced analysis with significant implications for sustainable
commerce and global development, thereby making it pertinent to both practitioners and
the broader society. This information equips supply chain management professionals with
insights into how their strategies could contribute to achieving these global benchmarks
for sustainability.
Knowing the thematic areas, practitioners can make informed decisions on resource
allocation to maximize their impact on sustainability and SDG alignment. Moreover, the
article elucidates how GSCM integrates advanced technologies such as AI and Industry
4.0 to enhance environmental performance, thereby informing technology adoption and
investment strategies. The study also serves to augment public comprehension of the
significance of the UN’s SDGs. It underscores the global commitment to address critical
challenges such as responsible consumption, environmental conservation, and industrial
innovation. By illustrating the linkage between GSCM practices and these objectives, the
study emphasizes the societal benefits accrued through responsible manufacturing and
consumption, among them, improved air quality, waste reduction, and more effective
natural resource conservation.
Businesses and policymakers alike may find great value in the results of a biblio-
metric analysis. They can support innovation, encourage sustainability, guide strategic
decision-making, and offer a framework for coordinating corporate operations with the
UN Sustainable Development Goals. By using this knowledge, businesses and legislators
may collaborate to create a more sustainable and successful future. Regional differences
in the adoption of GSCM are a complicated and diverse problem that calls for specialized
solutions from industry, government, and the global sustainability community. In order
to advance the global sustainability agenda and guarantee that no region is left behind in
the shift towards more sustainable supply chains, these variations must be acknowledged
and intelligently addressed. International cooperation and knowledge-sharing initiatives
can benefit from understanding regional differences in GSCM uptake. Organizations
and nations can apply the lessons from areas with effective GSCM processes worldwide.
Acknowledging regional differences is essential to solving global environmental issues.
The fact that GSCM adoption may be delayed in some areas should be considered by
policymakers and organizations as it may have an impact on international efforts to meet
sustainability targets. The alignment of GSCM with SDGs for environmental responsibility
is emphasized in this paper. For sustainable supply chains, GSCM should be given top pri-
ority by businesses and legislators. The findings support a more sustainable future through
sustainable habits and technologies and serve as a future research and strategy develop-
ment roadmap. It’s critical to recognize the limits of the research, including the potential
exclusion of grey literature and the deletion of pertinent papers found through keyword
searches. Moreover, the analysis only considered papers published after 2013. Notwith-
standing these limitations, the encouraging results of this investigation can guide further
research. Building on this work, a more thorough literature review or meta-analysis on the
GSCM technique can offer further insights into its applicability. Future research should
focus on experimental assessments that measure the effect of GSCM directly on particular
SDGs. This could entail using state-of-the-art technologies to improve resource efficiency
and traceability, supporting the SDGs for industry innovation, ethical consumerism, and
mitigating climate change. Examining closed-loop supply networks and circular economy
concepts can support SDGs focusing on waste reduction and resource conservation. Fu-
ture research efforts should also focus on supply chain resilience, geopolitical and climate
change threats, and sustainable sourcing and procurement strategies that promote the
SDGs while benefiting local populations and biodiversity.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 15848 25 of 27
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, R.R., A.S., S.M., A.P. and P.N.; methodology, R.R., A.S.,
S.M., A.P. and P.N.; data curation, R.R., A.S., S.M., A.P. and P.N.; writing—review and editing, R.R.,
A.S., S.M., A.P. and P.N.; visualization, R.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version
of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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