In the face of escalating climate change, the European Union (EU) has emerged as a global leader in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, and a recent study sheds light on the continent’s academic contributions to this critical field. Published in the journal *Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship* (translated from Spanish as *Tecnología Sostenible y Emprendimiento*), the research, led by V. Sanz-Torro of the Cátedra Andersen UPV de sostenibilidad y mercados financieros at the Universitat Politècnica de València, offers a comprehensive review of EU-focused sustainability studies from 2015 to 2024.
The study, which employed the PRISMA protocol and the Rstudio library Bibliometrix to analyze the scientific output, reveals an exponential growth in high-impact publications, with a notable prevalence of international co-authorship. This trend underscores the global relevance and collaborative nature of sustainability research in the EU.
Three main research lines were identified, each with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond. The first focuses on the structural foundations of sustainability, including circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-innovation. “These areas are crucial for reducing waste and improving resource efficiency, which can lead to significant cost savings and new business opportunities,” Sanz-Torro explains.
The second research line addresses environmental policies promoted by the EU, which the study highlights as the most influential in terms of academic impact. These policies, such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, are driving investments in clean technologies and creating market demand for sustainable solutions.
The third line explores energy efficiency in crisis contexts, with particular attention to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is particularly relevant for the energy sector, as it provides insights into how to maintain and even improve energy efficiency during periods of economic uncertainty and disruption.
The study’s findings suggest that the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality is not only shaping its academic agenda but also driving innovation and investment in sustainable technologies. As Sanz-Torro notes, “The energy transition, circular economy, and the pursuit of efficiency and productivity are among the most studied topics within the scientific community, reflecting their commercial potential and strategic importance.”
For the energy sector, this research underscores the need to stay abreast of academic developments and policy initiatives in the EU. By doing so, companies can position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities and contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.
Moreover, the study’s identification of research gaps can guide future academic and commercial endeavors, ensuring that they address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the EU’s academic contributions, as highlighted in this research, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the energy sector and beyond.