Sustainability Communication as A Strategic Driver: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the growing field of sustainability communication, highlighting its importance in raising awareness and translating sustainability policies into practical applications. The study aims to consolidate existing evidence, identify key themes, and disclose research gaps that hinder the integration of communication strategies in sustainability initiatives. A structured search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science, resulting in 229 records (215 from Scopus and 14 from WoS). After removing duplicates, 224 unique articles published between 2019 and 2024 were systematically screened and analyzed. The findings uncover a sustained increase in scholarly interest, marking sustainability communication as a distinct and growing area within sustainability studies. Thematic analysis identifies three primary clusters influencing this field: policy translation and alignment, communication tools and media, and institutional or organizational challenges. Most studies employ qualitative methodologies, while quantitative and mixed-methods research are less common. Overall, the results underscore communication as a crucial yet underexplored mechanism for bridging the gap between sustainability policy frameworks and their practical implementation. The review concludes by stressing the need for more empirical and interdisciplinary research to assess communication effectiveness in various contexts. These insights provide valuable implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to enhance sustainability engagement and drive meaningful institutional change.

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