Measuring research output related to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals: A bibliometric perspective

Presentation: 24th Nordic Workshop on Bibliometrics and Research Policy

The UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play an important role in the push to build a more sustainable society, and are of interest to research institutions that wish to examine how their activities contribute to sustainable development. In this study, we mapped research contributions to six of these goals from a bibliometric perspective. The goals were SDG1 No poverty, SDG2 Zero hunger, SDG3 Good health and well-being, SDG7 Affordable and clean energy, SDG13 Climate action, and SDG14 Life below water.

We used descriptions of these goals from the UN to build detailed search queries designed for the Web of Science Core Collection. Coverage estimations were done in relation to MEDLINE and ProQuest Social Sciences. The search queries were iteratively improved through keyword analysis, testing, and consultations with experts. Once finalised, a collection of SDG-related scientific literature published between 2015-2018 was built. We then analysed this data to examine how much is published related to the SDGs in the Nordic countries. We also compared our data to data gathered using Elsevier’s SDG search queries to assess degree of similarity and overlap.

These results highlight research contributions to sustainable development, thus emphasising the role of research institutions from a societal perspective. It also illustrates how different approaches to measuring this complex field can vary and the impact this has on results. The work can provide a useful tool for leaders and policymakers: an independent method for mapping SDG-related output.