China becomes largest contributor to global SDG-related research since 2022: report

(ECNS) — China has become the world's largest contributor of research papers related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2022 and is playing an increasingly important role in global sustainable-development policymaking, according to a report released Thursday by Springer Nature and policy-data platform Overton.

Released during the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), the report is the most comprehensive study to date showing how academic research shapes SDG-related policy. It draws on an analysis of more than 12 million policy documents worldwide.

The report shows that Chinese research is widely cited in SDG-related policy documents outside China. International governmental organizations — including the World Health Organization and the United Nations — account for 25% of these citations, followed by the United States (22%), the United Kingdom (8%) and the European Union (7%). Most citations relate to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), accounting for 37%, and SDG 13 (Climate Action), accounting for 13%.

The report urges wider open-access publishing, more policy-friendly research communication and stronger partnerships across the research ecosystem to better support evidence-based policymaking.

Nicola Jones, head of the Sustainable Development Programme at Springer Nature, said the findings offer a quantitative view of how research contributes to SDG progress, adding that effective cooperation across the research ecosystem is essential as the 2030 deadline approaches.

(By Evelyn)