Mapping Research Trends in Responsible Consumption and Production: A Bibliometric Analysis of SDG 12 and Circular Economy Practices

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a critical global priority, focusing on balancing environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being to ensure a thriving future for generations to come. This study examines the evolution of research on responsible consumption and production, particularly within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) and circular economy practices. The findings reveal a significant increase in scholarly interest from 2010 to 2024, with notable growth in publications post-2018. Key aspects, such as access types, document classifications, geographic distribution, keyword co-occurrence, collaborative networks, and citation trends, are analyzed. The results show a strong preference for open access publishing, with "Gold" and "Hybrid Gold" dominating, while journal articles represent the primary document type. Geographic analysis highlights Europe, particularly the United Kingdom and Italy, as leading contributors to the research. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies circular economy and sustainable development as central themes, interconnected with subtopics like waste management and policy frameworks. Collaborative networks underscore the role of influential authors like Serenella Sala and countries such as the UK and Germany in fostering global research. Citation trends demonstrate exponential growth, especially from 2015 onward, reflecting the rising relevance of sustainability research. A comparison of key journals reveals variations in CiteScores, with Resources, Conservation and Recycling achieving the highest impact. The study emphasizes the interdisciplinary and global nature of research in advancing SDG 12 and circular economy practices, underscoring the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and impactful dissemination. This study provides valuable insights and data-driven analysis that can guide researchers, policymakers, and governments in formulating evidence-based strategies, fostering collaborations, and implementing effective policies to advance sustainable consumption and production practices, thereby contributing to the achievement of global sustainability goals.