Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Engineering Education: Definitions, Research Trends, Bibliometric Insights, and Strategic Approaches

This study investigates the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within engineering education by providing conceptual definitions, identifying research trends, and analyzing strategic approaches. Using a systematic literature review enriched with bibliometric analysis, the study explores six key aspects: the role of SDGs in engineering education, the intersection of sustainability and technical learning, the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), core competencies required for sustainability, systems thinking as a foundational skill, and institutional challenges and opportunities. Bibliometric mapping reveals increasing global attention to SDGs in engineering, particularly in 2022 and 2024. The findings show a paradigm shift from purely technical training to holistic, interdisciplinary education that combines ethics, ecology, and social impact. Despite structural barriers and curricular gaps, strategic opportunities (such as faculty readiness, innovative pedagogies, and technological tools) support transformative learning. This review provides a comprehensive framework for aligning engineering education with the SDGs and contributes to the development of sustainability-literate future engineers.