A structured literature review of sustainability-focused strategic foresight research

Abstract

This review examines the development of the agenda on sustainability-focused strategic foresight research since the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Progress toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda remains off track, underscoring the need for innovative, lateral, and pluralistic approaches to navigate growing global uncertainty. Strategic foresight is conceptualised as an instrumental approach in the global sustainability agenda by the United Nations, governments, organisations and scholars. The existing knowledge infrastructure was analysed in line with an established sustainable development framing architecture. Nine emerging research themes were identified, of which five are classified as key themes aligned with sustainability goals, namely, enhanced innovation, organisational capabilities, sustainability of natural resources, social cohesion and policy development. Four themes support the enabling environments, as capabilities and tools. These are individual cognition, methodological advancements, dynamic capabilities and digital tools. Significant observations are the disproportionate scholarly focus on goals and the consequent prominence of innovation and organisational research. Further, the low emphasis on societal benefit is pronounced and the inequitable geographical concentration is void of developing economies. This literature landscape review provides several opportunities and implications for future research.