The Intrinsic Links of Economic Complexity with Sustainability Dimensions: A Systematic Review and Agenda for Future Research

Abstract

What are the intrinsic connections between economic complexity and sustainability dimensions? To address this question, we have conducted the first Systematic Mapping Study of the literature related to the economic complexity theory, employing databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Semantic Scholar following the PRISMA statement complemented with a science mapping technique. Our endeavor has culminated in the compilation of 687 documents published between 2006 and 2022. The findings of this systematic review reveal a thematic and semantic network that interconnects economic complexity with the following dimensions of sustainability: (1) Economic, (2) Social and Human, (3) Environmental, (4) Political, and (5) Cultural. The results offer compelling evidence that research into economic complexity is actively striving to promote studies that are pertinent to the challenges articulated by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, we propose five avenues for shaping a future research agenda based on the emerging research trends detected through in-depth analysis. In conclusion, we affirm that economic complexity stands as a robust theory that aids in comprehending the multidimensional challenges arising from the pursuit of sustainable development.

Economic complexity and the sustainability transition: a review of data, methods, and literature

“…It should be noted that other recent contributions have tackled the link connecting EC and socioeconomic sustainability from several angles. Notably, the recent review by Montiel-Hernández et al (2024) focuses on the ways in which EC has proven to be useful to relevant socio-economic topics such as economic growth, innovation, employment, education levels, poverty reduction, life expectancy, environmental impacts, public policies. The paper identifies five areas of interest for EC, namely investigating the causal pathways linking EC to sustainability dimensions; developing new indicators of EC; exploring how EC can be used to promote sustainable development policies as well as international research cooperation on this topic; and integrating EC into tertiary education programs.…”

Towards a General Theory of Sustainable Development: Using a Sustainability Window Approach to Explore All Possible Scenario Paths of Economic Growth and Degrowth

“…Related to this complexity, generic theories of sustainable development that take into account all dimensions of sustainability are difficult to find in the literature. Attempts to develop theoretical approaches to the complexity of the sustainability dimensions, especially in the case of economic sustainability [83][84][85][86] and also attempts to develop a new theory of social sustainability [3,87,88] are examples of significant though rare advancements in sustainable development theory.…”

“…Addressing the challenges of sustainable development requires a deep understanding of these complex interactions and feedback loops and the ability to manage them effectively through adaptive, inclusive, and systemic approaches. Complex problems relating to the nexus of unsustainable environmental and socio-economic development require robust research methods that facilitate this holistic analysis [83][84][85][86].…”