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.

S. M. Riad Shams is an Assistant Professor in Marketing and PhD Program Leader at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Demetris Vrontis is ranked among the top 2% of the best scientists in the world, according to a list compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier and SciTech Strategies. Demetris Vrontis is the Vice Rector for Faculty and Research and a Professor of Strategic Marketing Management at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus.

Yaakov Weber teaches courses on Strategic Management, Mergers and Acquisitions Management, Strategic Alliances, Corporate Strategy, Cross-Cultural Management, and Global Strategic Management.

Evangelos Tsoukatos is a faculty member at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, and the Hellenic Open University. He holds a PhD in Management Science from the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), UK, a BSc in Mathematics from the “Aristotelion” University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a postgraduate diploma and MSc in Operational Research from LUMS, UK.

Rosa Palladino is an Associate Professor of Management at IUL Digital University (Florence). She obtained the national scientific qualification as a full professor.