Sustainable Development Goals and Business Dynamics

In recent years, the global socio-economic balance has been disrupted by a series of events: first the economic crisis, then the pandemic, followed by conflicts both within and outside Europe, and finally the energy crisis. These events have had significant repercussions on the resilience of people and organizations worldwide. In this context, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted as part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, provide a universal framework for addressing pressing global economic, environmental, and social challenges. They also emphasize the critical role of innovation in developing novel solutions for people, the planet, and prosperity.

Business firms are recognized as key drivers in the global pursuit of the SDGs. However, it remains unclear how to strategically allocate resources and set business objectives that align with sustainability requirements. The path to fully achieving the SDGs is still evolving and requires the generation and application of new knowledge, as well as practical, actionable solutions to support the transition to more sustainable practices.

This book contributes to our understanding of how business firms can support the achievement of the SDGs, drawing on both theoretical developments and practical insights from emerging areas of business research. Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners will find value in these novel perspectives as they engage with the challenges of achieving the SDGs.