This investigation applied the PRISMA framework to guide this systematic review, adhering to a five-step process that included identifying research questions, formulating a search strategy, conducting and screening the literature search, and analyzing the findings (Page et al., 2021). This structured approach enhances the reliability of the review, making PRISMA a reliable protocol for diverse fields of research (Raman et al., 2023; Rama et al., 2023).

This study commenced with a comprehensive search of the Dimensions database, which was chosen for its extensive journal coverage, which significantly outstrips the Web of Science and Scopus (Singh et al., 2021). This search, which targeted the period from 2016 to 2023, identified 451 publications. During the screening phase, all 451 publications were meticulously evaluated for completeness, with none disqualified on the basis of missing author details or DOIs. The subsequent eligibility phase leverages proprietary algorithms within Dimensions to map publications to the 17 SDGs. This was informed by various SDG mapping initiatives, including the Aurora-Network-Global’s SDG-Queries, the University of Auckland’s SDG mapping, and Elsevier’s SDG Mapping Initiatives. These mappings facilitated the identification of 215 publications directly related to the 17 SDGs. Ultimately, all 215 eligible publications were included for detailed analysis, underscoring the efficacy of the PRISMA framework in conducting a systematic and comprehensive review of literature pertinent to SDGs.

To gauge the extent of interdisciplinary research published in JIK, we utilize the SDGs as a framework (Raman et al., 2022, 2024). In analyzing the intricate web of SDGs, it becomes evident that the success of one goal is often intertwined with advancements in others. Network analyses by Le Blanc (2015) and Allison et al. (2016) reveal a varied landscape of interconnections among the SDGs, with some demonstrating strong links across numerous targets and others showing less pronounced connections. Emphasizing the need for an integrated approach, Griggs et al. (2013) recommended embedding individual sustainability goals within a comprehensive framework that reflects the synergies between the environmental, social, and economic domains. By mapping the JIK’s research outputs to the SDGs, we aim to show how well the journal’s publications align with these interdisciplinary goals, thereby reflecting on the journal’s contribution to tackling complex, multifaceted global challenges.

Our examination uses a co-citation mapping technique to visualize the interconnectedness of SDGs (Raman et al., 2023). Employing the visualization tool VOSviewer (van Eck & Waltman, 2010), we illustrate the semantic proximity between SDGs on the basis of their joint citation frequency within the same collection of publications. The resulting map portrays each SDG as a node whose size indicates its prevalence in research, whereas the connecting lines’ thickness represents the co-citation frequency between goals, thereby highlighting the network of SDGs as a complex yet cohesive structure guiding global sustainability efforts.

This research adopts the BERTopic technique for topic modeling, leveraging state-of-the-art transformer models and the Class-Tf-idf-Transformer for effective topic cluster formation (Gomes et al., 2023). BERTopic is a cutting-edge technique that uses contextual embeddings from the BERT language model for robust topic modeling (Grootendorst, 2022). It not only excels in capturing nuanced semantic relationships within textual data but also provides a quantitative measure of intertopic distance, offering insights into the thematic cohesion and divergence present in the content. The methodological advantage of BERTopic lies in its ability to discern subtle contextual nuances, ensuring a more accurate representation of topic clusters. This method ensures the extraction of coherent topics while preserving essential terms, significantly improving the clarity and relevance of the topics identified (Grootendorst, 2022). The initial step involves comprehensive data preprocessing, incorporating text cleaning, the application of natural language processing (NLP) techniques, and tokenization to refine the dataset’s quality and uniformity. Further enhancement is achieved through sentence embeddings and dimensionality reduction techniques, facilitating more precise topic extraction and visualization (McInnes et al., 2020). The BERTopic model uses probability metrics to assign topics to documents, thereby improving the interpretability of the results. This approach not only guarantees the robustness and validity of the study’s outcomes but also highlights the meticulousness and sophistication inherent in the topic modeling process.

In the period spanning from 2016 to 2023, JIK demonstrated robust performance, with a total of 215 publications, of which 198 were cited, resulting in a total of 5854 citations (refer to Table 1 in the Appendix). The average number of citations per publication was 27, contributing to an impressive h-index of 41 and a g-index of 69, reflecting the significant impact of the journal’s publications. Over the course of eight active years, JIK maintained consistent productivity, with an average of 27 publications per active year. In terms of co-authorship, the journal exhibited high collaboration, with 721 contributing authors and 671 affiliated authors, resulting in an average of four authors per coauthored article. Notably, 657 authors contributed to coauthored documents, whereas 17 contributed to single-authored documents, showing a collaborative approach in the scholarly endeavors reported in JIK.

Furthermore, when RQ1 is addressed in assessing JIK research alignment with SDGs, a distinct pattern emerges, highlighting the journal’s focal areas (refer to Panel C, Table 1 in the Appendix). The most researched SDG within JIK is SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which commands the forefront with 112 publications and a remarkable citation count of 3746. This pre-eminence underscores the journal’s dedication to advancing research in innovations critical to sustainable development. The next most common are SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), with 33 and 25 publications and 875 and 480 citations, respectively, indicating a robust interest in the economic and educational dimensions of sustainability.

Conversely, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) also receive considerable attention, reflecting a moderate level of research engagement and citation impact, in line with global energy and environmental concerns. Other SDGs, such as SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), depict a more modest level of research output, suggesting areas for potential growth within the journal’s scope.

At the lower end of the spectrum, SDGs such as 1 (No Poverty), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), 14 (Life Below Water), and notably, 5 (Gender Equality) and 15 (Life on Land) receive the least scholarly attention, both in terms of publications and citations. This may provide an opportunity for JIK to broaden its research agenda to encompass a wider array of sustainability goals in the future.

In examining the contributions of JIK to SDGs, the cocitation map (Fig. 2), alongside the journal keywords, we address RQ2 in understanding the interplay between various SDGs and the thematic focus of the research within JIK. Keywords such as ‘Industry 4.0,’ ‘technological innovation,’ ‘entrepreneurship,’ and various forms of innovation (frugal-, financial-, green-, eco-, and open-innovation) are instrumental in deciphering the connections and thematic concentrations in the SDG clusters.

Fig. 2.

Interdisciplinary research in JIK as measured by a network of SDGs.

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The broader red cluster, led by SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), incorporates keywords such as ‘green innovation,’ ‘sustainable supply chains,’ and ‘eco-innovation’ (Shahzad et al., 2022). This implies a research trajectory that not only prioritizes industrial and infrastructural advancements but also emphasizes sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. The presence of SDGs such as 7 (affordable and clean energy), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action) within this cluster reflects JIK’s focus on ‘sustainability-oriented innovation’ and ‘green knowledge management,’ underscoring the critical intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development (Aslam et al., 2021; Dabbous & Tarhini, 2021).

The green cluster, led by SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), resonates strongly with keywords such as ‘Industry 4.0’ and ‘technological innovation.’ This suggests a research focus where advanced industrial technologies and innovative practices are seen as drivers of economic growth and employment. The inclusion of SDGs such as 10 (reduced inequality), 14 (life below water), and 1 (no poverty) within this cluster aligns with JIK’s exploration of ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘social innovation,’ highlighting the role of innovative business models in addressing social and environmental challenges (Hussain et al., 2023).

The linkages between SDGs, particularly between SDG 9 and SDGs 8, 13, 7, and 12, are further enriched by keywords such as ‘financial development’ and ‘financial innovation.’ These findings suggest that fiscal strategies and innovative financing are pivotal in bridging industry, infrastructure, and sustainable development goals. JIK’s focus on ‘open innovation’ and ‘responsible innovation’ aligns with the interconnected and cross-sectoral nature of these SDGs, highlighting the importance of collaborative and ethical approaches in pursuing sustainable development.

Thus, the co-citation analysis, combined with JIK’s thematic keywords, presents a comprehensive picture of how research in JIK intersects with the SDGs. It underscores the critical role of various forms of innovation—from industry-focused to green and social—in driving progress across a spectrum of sustainable development goals.

The co-citation overlay map provided illustrates the evolving focus of research within JIK between 2018 and 2023, mirroring global sustainability trends and highlighting the dynamic interplay between various SDGs (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.

Evolution of interdisciplinary research measured by a network of SDGs.

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Between 2018 and 2023, JIK’s research emphasis transitioned from SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) to SDG 14 (Life Below Water), subsequently moving toward SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and then pivoting to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Most recently, the focus has shifted to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy). This trajectory aligns with the heightened global discourse on sustainable practices, as encapsulated by high-profile events such as COP26, COP27, and COP28, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change through clean energy initiatives and sustainable practices.

The overlay map suggests that as the journal’s research progressed, there was a notable pivot toward the themes of innovation, industry, and infrastructure, which are central to catalyzing progress across multiple SDGs. This shift is indicative of the journal’s alignment with the broader global agenda, which increasingly prioritizes sustainability in industrial development and the green transition as a foundation for achieving the overarching goals of health, well-being, and equitable growth. The recent concentration of SDGs related to clean energy (Dabbous & Tarhini, 2021), climate action, and responsible consumption (Aslam et al., 2021) reflects a growing consensus on the need for sustainable transformation of our energy systems and consumption patterns. This shift is particularly pertinent considering recent climate summits, which have brought these issues to the forefront of international policy and research agendas.

Employing a dataset of JIK articles mapped to various SDGs, we apply the BERTopic modeling method to identify six major topics to answer RQ3. Table 2 in the Appendix summarizes the topics extracted, and Fig. 4 shows the word clouds generated by representative terms. Conversely, Figs. 5 and Fig. 6 (Appendix) visualize the intertopic distance and illustrate the distribution of JIK articles across the extracted topics, offering insights into the thematic cohesion and divergence present in the topics extracted, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.

Fig. 4.

Word clouds of key terms representing the major topics.

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Fig. 5.

Major topics and their SDG focus.

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Fig. 6.

Research hotspots of the major topics.

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Essentially, Figs. 5 and Fig. 6 reveal distinct clusters among the extracted topics, with certain themes exhibiting closer proximity to each other than to others. Notably, the topics of “Entrepreneurial Innovation,” “Economy 4.0.” and “green innovation” appear to be closely related, as indicated by their proximity in Fig. 5. This clustering suggests a potential interconnectedness or thematic overlap between these topics, possibly stemming from shared concepts, methodologies, or research paradigms. Conversely, the topics of “collaborative economy” and “effectual innovation” emerge as distinct clusters, exhibiting greater distance from the themes above. This divergence in proximity indicates a clear separation or differentiation in the underlying concepts or research focus of these topics compared with “Entrepreneurial Innovation,” “Economy 4.0,” and “Green Innovation.”

Our initial topic, termed the “EcoTech Revolution,” encompassing 81 JIK articles cited 1491 times at 18 average citations, prominently addresses SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 4 (Quality Education), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The APY of 2021.2 indicates significant scholarly interest and impact. Similarly, the topic “entrepreneurial innovation,” consisting of 38 articles cited 2376 times at 63 average citations, revolves around SDGs 9, 8 (decent work and economic growth), and 4 (quality education). It has an APY of 2020.6. Conversely, “Economy 4.0,” represented by 33 articles, focuses primarily on SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 4 (Quality Education). The 579 total citations, averaging 18 citations per article, underscore its scholarly impact, whereas the APY of 2022.3 reveals that the topic is current and trending.

The fourth topic, “Effectual Innovation,” encompassing 28 articles cited 295 times at 18 average citations, centers around SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The APY of 2022.7 suggests a contemporary focus on effectual innovation and its implications within the research content of JIK. The subsequent topic, “collaborative economy,” comprising 23 articles cited 467 times at 20 average citations, focuses on SDGs 7 (affordable and clean energy), 8 (cent work and economic growth), and 13 (climate action). The APY of 2022.6 suggests a recent emphasis on collaborative economy models within the context of sustainability.

Finally, “Green Innovation,” encompassing 12 JIK articles cited 646 times at 54 average citations, prominently addresses SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 13 (Climate Action), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). An APY of 2021.8 indicates a sustained interest in green innovation practices and their alignment with sustainable development in JIK.

The analysis of six topics spanning various SDGs reveals JIK’s diverse scholarly exploration and the temporal relevance captured by the APY.

This connection between the thematic alignment with the SDGs and the contemporaneity reflected in the APY underscores the ongoing commitment of the academic community to address and contribute to the evolving landscape of sustainable development while contributing to the discourse of JIK.

The subsequent sections explore the diverse thematic dimensions of the major topics, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the innovative and knowledge-centric discourse within JIK.

Fig. 5 provides an insightful mapping of the SDG focus across six distinct topics extracted from the JIK articles analyzed. All the themes, namely, the EcoTech Revolution, Entrepreneurial Innovation, Economy 4.0, Effectual Innovation, Collaborative Economy, and Green Innovation, correlate with specific SDGs. Noteworthy patterns include a strong emphasis on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) across all themes, with the EcoTech Revolution and Entrepreneurial Innovation. Additionally, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) is prominently addressed in the themes of the EcoTech Revolution, Entrepreneurial Innovation, and Economy 4.0. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is a key focus within the Collaborative Economy theme. Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) is distinctly addressed in the themes of the EcoTech Revolution and Collaborative Economy. These findings underscore the alignment of JIK with specific SDGs, providing valuable insights into the thematic distribution of research contributions toward achieving sustainable development goals.

The EcoTech Revolution delves into the intersection of technological innovation, sustainability, and societal well-being. Aslam et al.’s exploration of blockchain aligns with SDG 12, emphasizing responsible consumption and production. López-Cabarcos et al.’s study on the gaming industry during the COVID-19 pandemic aligns with SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being. Al-Omoush et al.’s work in Jordan contributed to SDG 9, emphasizing collaborative innovation and organizational sustainability. The systematic review on AI in healthcare by Ali et al. connects with SDG 3. Sun et al.’s investigation into knowledge management, blockchain adoption, and sustainable organizational performance in Chinese manufacturing provides insights for SDGs 9 and 12. Together, these studies underscore the dynamic landscape of the EcoTech Revolution and its impact on sustainability and societal well-being.

Conversely, entrepreneurial innovation, as explored in JIK, has emerged as a catalyst for sustainable development, particularly in terms of SDG 9. Ode & Ayavoo’s study established a positive relationship between knowledge management practices and firm innovation, contributing to SDG 9. Saunila’s systematic review addresses the innovation capabilities of small businesses, providing ideas for better understanding innovation in this context and aligning with SDG 9. Taques et al.’s theoretical perspectives on organizational innovation indicators contribute to a comprehensive understanding of innovation in firms, supporting SDG 9. Chaithanapat et al.’s investigation into customer knowledge management in Thai SMEs sheds light on intricate dynamics within enterprises while adding to SDG 9. Khan et al.’s exploration of consumer resistance to green innovation products directly addresses sustainable industry practices and aligns with SDG 9. Collectively, these studies highlight how entrepreneurial innovation aligns with SDG 9 goals and contributes to broader sustainability goals.

Within the context of Economy 4.0, JIK presents a collection of studies contributing diverse insights and connections to specific SDGs. Peng & Tao’s investigation into the impact of digital transformation on enterprise performance aligns with SDG 9. Chen et al.’s examination of the relationship between the digital economy and the labor share provides valuable insights into SDG 8. Li et al.’s (2023) study on collaborative innovation systems in public higher education during Industry 4.0 connects with SDG 9. Ballestar et al.’s exploration of the effects of robotization, digitization, and innovation on productivity and employment contributes to SDGs 9 and 8. Liu et al.’s research on the dynamic mechanism of regional integration in promoting corporate innovation aligns with SDG 9. Collectively, these studies provide nuanced perspectives on the transformative forces of Economy 4.0, contributing to sustainable industry practices and economic growth.

Effectual innovation, as explored in JIK, is a critical theme connected to specific SDGs. Zuo & Lin’s study on government R&D subsidies aligns with SDG 9, emphasizing the role of subsidies in fostering innovation within firms. Xiong et al.’s exploration of the impact of digital inclusive finance on corporate innovation contributes to both SDGs 9 and 8. Xu & Deng’s examination of high-quality development at the city level offers insights into SDGs 8 and 11. Shao & Wang’s investigation into the impact of government subsidies on enterprise innovation aligns with SDG 9. Liao et al.’s exploration of the technological innovation effect of capital goods imports on regional development quality provides insights into SDG 11. Collectively, these studies offer nuanced perspectives on fostering effectual innovation for sustainable development.

The Collaborative Economy, as explored in JIK, sheds light on its potential implications for various SDGs. Dabbous & Tarhini emphasized the positive impact of the sharing economy on sustainable economic development and energy efficiency, aligning with SDG 7. Chien’s research in China demonstrated positive links between sharing economy benefits, improved energy efficiency, and SDGs 7 and 9. The exploration of Zhang et al. in the Asian context revealed positive associations between the sharing economy, energy efficiency, and sustainable economic development, contributing to SDGs 8 and 7. Hussain et al.’s examination of the moderating role of income inequality in the impact of the sharing economy aligns with SDG 10. Zhu et al.’s quantitative assessment of the impact of the sharing economy in China highlights positive contributions to sustainable development and energy efficiency, supporting SDGs 7 and 8. Collectively, these studies provide nuanced insights into the collaborative economy's potential to drive positive outcomes across multiple SDGs.

Finally, JIK’s contributions to green innovation offer valuable insights into aligning economic success with sustainable practices, addressing various SDGs. Rauter et al.’s emphasis on diverse open innovation partners, including NGOs, aligns with SDG 9. Shahzad et al.’s model, grounded in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), contributes to SDGs 9 and 3, which drive green innovation adoption. Wang et al.’s proposal of a risk-based optimal bidding strategy for energy aggregators in green energy markets addresses challenges in managing green energies and promotes SDG 7. Xie et al.’s highlighting of a U-shaped relationship between green process innovation and financial performance, moderated by green social capital and tacit green needs, contributes to SDG 9. Ilg’s exploration of the potential of a virtuous circle in the construction industry aligns with SDG 9. Collectively, these studies underscore the multifaceted nature of green innovation and its potential positive contributions to both economic success and sustainable development.

Fig. 6 maps the major topics across the leading authors’ affiliated countries to decipher RQ4. Notably, authors’ affiliating countries from both the Global North and Global South make significant contributions to condense JIK’s efforts to achieve the SDGs. JIK authors affiliated with institutions based in China have emerged as leading contributors, particularly in terms of the theme of the EcoTech Revolution, with 34 articles. Spain has demonstrated substantial engagement in the EcoTech Revolution and Entrepreneurial Innovation, leading in the former with 16 articles. Pakistan actively participates in the EcoTech Revolution, entrepreneurial innovation, and the Collaborative Economy, with a focus on the former with four articles. With five articles, India predominantly contributed to the EcoTech Revolution and Economy 4.0, holding a notable position in the former. Germany shows diverse involvement in the EcoTech Revolution, Entrepreneurial Innovation, and Economy 4.0, notably contributing to the EcoTech Revolution theme, with two articles. This summary underscores the diverse and impactful contributions from both the Global North and Global South in advancing knowledge and innovation aligned with the SDGs.

The integration of BERTopic modeling and co-citation mapping in analyzing the contributions of JIK to SDGs signifies a novel methodological approach in the landscape of sustainability research. This methodological approach refines the analysis by enhancing thematic clarity and enabling a detailed exploration of sustainability topics. The BERTopic method involves the extraction of coherent topics while preserving essential terms that significantly improve the clarity and relevance of the topics identified (Grootendorst, 2022). The analysis of sustainability-aligned research within JIK offers a new perspective on the evolution and significant range of research articles within JIK. The application of co-citation mapping and BERTopic modeling to develop insights into the history of publications focused on SDGs offers unique insight into the sustainability-related research published in JIK.

This study’s methodological framework offers several theoretical contributions to the field of sustainability and innovation research. First, by employing BERTopic modeling, the research underscores the potential of using state-of-the-art topic modeling techniques to dissect and categorize extensive bodies of literature. This approach facilitates a more granular understanding of the thematic evolution within specific research domains, highlighting the dynamic interplay between innovation, knowledge, and sustainability goals over time. Second, the use of co-citation mapping as a tool to visualize and analyze the interconnections among the SDGs within JIK publications introduces a novel perspective on the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability research. This technique illuminates the synergistic relationships and thematic clusters that emerge from the journal’s engagement with the SDGs, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on integrated sustainability research.

Furthermore, the findings derived from this methodological approach have implications for theory, practice, and policy formulation. Theoretically, this study enriches the academic discourse on how innovation and knowledge dissemination within scholarly journals can be aligned with global sustainability agendas. It provides empirical evidence of the thematic areas and SDG focuses that have dominated the research landscape in JIK, offering insights into potential future directions for sustainability research. For practitioners and policymakers, the detailed thematic mapping and SDG alignment presented in this study can serve as a valuable resource for identifying research gaps, setting priorities, and formulating strategies that address the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development.

Our analysis of the JIK data reveals several implications that are relevant to editors, authors, practice, and policy.

Strategic expansion and interdisciplinary SDG research collaboration - The implications of our analysis illustrate the necessity for a strategic reorientation toward strengthening and enhancing the interdisciplinary research agenda within the JIK to a broader spectrum of SDGs. JIK should articulate specific themes within the targeted calls for papers to ensure clarity on the underrepresented SDGs and subtargets within the SDGs. This would guide potential contributors toward precise topics of interest and encourage submissions that directly address these areas. JIK’s commendable focus on SDG 9 presents an opportunity to expand its research agenda to include underrepresented SDGs, such as gender equality (SDG 5); life on land (SDG 15); and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Incorporating a wider array of SDGs could offer a more comprehensive exploration of sustainability issues, enhancing the journal’s role in addressing global challenges.

Establishing a structured framework for collaboration between JIK and sustainability experts could include the formation of advisory panels and special issue editors comprising experts from diverse disciplines related to sustainability to guide the journal’s strategic direction and thematic focus. Recognizing the critical role of interdisciplinary research in addressing the complexity of the SDGs, JIK could deepen the integration of diverse disciplines. This will further enrich the journal’s contribution to global sustainability discourse and set a precedent for academic publications striving for impactful research. Our analysis reveals a need for enhanced interdisciplinary approaches to promote interdisciplinary research. JIK could organize special issues that encourage collaboration across various academic domains, thereby fostering innovative approaches to sustainability challenges. This approach is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and for devising innovative solutions.

Enhancing research impact and inclusivity - To better inform policy, JIK should actively promote emerging SDG-aligned research areas. JIK can establish thematic research clusters or networks to promote dialog and collaboration among researchers, thus enhancing the journal’s role in identifying and developing new areas of inquiry. The identification of emerging research hotspots within JIK’s scope underscores the dynamic nature of sustainability research. Capitalizing on these areas can guide future research priorities and bridge gaps in sustainability discourse. A greater focus on global collaboration and inclusivity can also influence policy. This can be achieved by implementing mentorship programs and research grants that can foster inclusivity in partnerships between researchers from different regions, promoting equity and broadening the spectrum of perspectives on sustainability. The global contributions to JIK’s sustainability discourse highlight the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives. Strengthening collaboration between researchers from various geographical backgrounds can enhance JIK’s inclusivity and global impact.

A holistic approach to SDG research - The analysis of JIK’s contributions to the SDGs reveals the critical role of academic journals in advancing sustainability research. By adopting a more inclusive, interdisciplinary, and globally collaborative research agenda, journals such as JIK can significantly enhance their impact on the pursuit of global 2030 goals. This requires a concerted effort from editors, authors, practitioners, and policymakers to embrace a holistic approach to sustainability that recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through strategic initiatives, funding policies, and collaborative platforms, the academic community can contribute to a more sustainable future that addresses the urgent needs of our planet and its inhabitants.

Practitioners are encouraged to adopt an SDG-aligned research agenda that fosters innovation and addresses the multifaceted challenges of sustainability. By broadening the focus to include underrepresented SDGs, practitioners can contribute to filling critical research gaps and advancing knowledge in areas that are pivotal for achieving comprehensive sustainability. The collaboration across various academic domains, as found by this research, serves as a model for practitioners to pursue interdisciplinary projects that leverage diverse expertise for innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. Furthermore, the emphasis on emerging research areas and the establishment of thematic research clusters encourage practitioners to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses timely and relevant sustainability issues, thereby enhancing the applicability and impact of their work.

From a policy perspective, the recommendations to actively promote SDG-aligned research and foster global collaboration have profound implications. External funding sources and institutional priorities often influence research agendas, potentially limiting practitioners’ ability to shift focus. Policies that support research funding, partnerships, and initiatives aligned with the SDGs can significantly accelerate progress toward sustainability goals. The call for inclusivity and diversity in research collaboration highlights the need for policies that facilitate international cooperation and knowledge exchange among researchers from different regions and backgrounds. This can be supported through policies that provide funding for international research projects, create platforms for knowledge sharing, and establish frameworks for collaborative research that crosses disciplinary and geographical boundaries. Moreover, the identification of emerging research hotspots within JIK publications signals important areas for policy focus and investment. By aligning research funding priorities with these emerging areas, policymakers can ensure that resources are directed toward research that has the potential to make significant contributions to sustainability challenges. The thematic research clusters found from JIK research can serve as a policy tool for fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation ecosystems that are responsive to the evolving needs of sustainable development.

Our research introduces a novel approach to correlating JIK publications with SDGs, although it has limitations. The methodological blend of thematic clustering and BERTopic modeling provides a detailed analysis but may not capture the field’s full richness and complexity—risking oversimplification. Additionally, the subjective interpretation of themes and topics, despite the use of advanced models, may introduce bias or misinterpretation, highlighting the need for expert validation (Merton, 1988; McCain, 2014). Our study’s dependence on citation analysis to evaluate publication impact inherits the method’s flaws, such as affirmative citation bias, potentially skewing perceptions toward preferred ideas and sidelining meaningful critique or dissent (Letrud & Hernes, 2019). The presence of various SDG mapping efforts could also lead to discrepancies in assessing journals, institutions, and publications (Raman et al., 2023), emphasizing the demand for uniform methodologies and greater collaboration. Despite these hurdles, our study provides valuable insight by linking JIK publications to the SDGs, offering meaningful contributions to the discipline.

To further enhance its impact, JIK’s editorial team should consider several specific recommendations. First, JIK can issue special calls for papers that focus on underrepresented SDGs, such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This approach will help diversify the research agenda and address current gaps, ensuring more comprehensive coverage of sustainability issues. Additionally, publishing special issues that highlight interdisciplinary research connecting multiple SDGs can promote a holistic approach to tackling complex sustainability challenges. Examining practices from other top sustainability-related journals can provide valuable examples. These journals frequently publish special issues on specific SDGs and invite submissions for thematic issues on interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development. By adopting similar practices, JIK can encourage targeted research contributions and highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Drawing from our analysis of the findings from the JIK publication, policy propositions should advocate for further SDGs, emphasizing the importance of a focus on sustainability, ethics, and global collaboration to ensure that technology acts as a catalyst for achieving the SDGs. This broad engagement across a spectrum of SDGs underscores JIK’s role in promoting interdisciplinary research that bridges various facets of sustainability. To further its impact, JIK is encouraged to explore the interconnections between these SDGs, fostering integrated solutions to complex sustainability challenges. The journal has established itself as a pivotal platform for advancing research aligned with SDGs, notably SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). However, to amplify its impact and breadth of contribution, JIK can strategically broaden its focus and adopt innovative approaches that address the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges.