Green growth: a bibliometric analysis of digital innovation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the relationship between digital innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on the concept of green growth. Green growth refers to fostering economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability, making it a critical framework for achieving the SDGs. By systematically reviewing a decade's worth of academic literature, we quantify the contributions of digital technologies to sustainable development initiatives. Utilizing data from prominent scholarly databases, we analyzed 271 articles to identify emerging trends, key themes, and research gaps within this interdisciplinary field. Our findings reveal significant patterns in how digital innovations, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are being leveraged to promote economic efficiency, resource conservation, and social equity—core tenets of green growth. Furthermore, we examine the geographical disparities in the adoption and impact of these technologies across developed and developing countries, highlighting unique challenges and opportunities. This bibliometric analysis not only underscores the transformative potential of digital tools in advancing sustainable practices but also emphasizes the necessity for targeted strategies that align technological advancements with the principles of green growth and inclusivity. The insights derived from this research provide valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners, and academics seeking to enhance the synergy between digital innovation and sustainable development.