Mapping the landscape of sustainable development in the pharmaceutical industry a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Abstract The pharmaceutical industry, while essential for global health, is increasingly scrutinized for its substantial environmental footprint and sustainability practices. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape of sustainable development within the pharmaceutical sector from 2015 to 2025. Drawing on data sourced from the Scopus database, the analysis employs advanced tools such as RStudio’s Bibliometrix package and VOSviewer to identify publication trends, influential authors and journals, collaboration networks, and emerging research themes. The results reveal a significant shift in industry priorities, with growing scholarly and practical focus on green manufacturing, circular economy models, life cycle assessments, and the adoption of digital innovations such as IoT and blockchain to enhance supply chain sustainability. Despite these advances, the sector continues to face challenges, including regulatory barriers, complex waste management, and inconsistent adoption of sustainable practices across regions. The study also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in driving innovation and standardizing best practices. Notably, while sustainability research in pharmaceuticals is expanding, it remains less mature compared to sectors like energy and agriculture, indicating a need for further exploration. The findings underscore the necessity for the pharmaceutical industry to integrate comprehensive sustainability frameworks, foster cross-sector collaboration, and embrace technological innovation to meet environmental, social, and economic objectives. This bibliometric mapping provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, guiding future research directions and supporting the industry’s transition toward a more sustainable and responsible future.

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