Publication

Abstract : The crucial role of technology, among other things, has been underlined by the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN CSTD) in attaining the multidimensional Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), depicting why extant research encompassing both has increased manifold in terms of the number of publications and citations. In our study using Information and Computing Sciences (ICS) to proxy for technology, we find that research output growth in quantity and impact in citations garnered have been spectacular, substantiated particularly by a paradigm shift in funding institutions’ preferences toward funds deployment. Furthermore, we find that Open access (OA) to published studies has facilitated more impactful research in critical areas of SDGs, such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), succeeded by SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Our study also reveals a growing involvement of academic research, especially for academic institutions from China and India, which successfully leverage ICS to make them more aligned with SDGs, thereby addressing global and societal requirements. The National Natural Science Foundation of China’s significant investment in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) indicates China’s focus on energy sustainability, in contrast to the European Commission’s balanced funding across multiple SDGs, reflecting a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. Meanwhile, agencies from the US and South Korea demonstrate targeted investments in SDGs related to technology, innovation, and health, aligning with their strategic national interests and socio-economic needs.