SDG-focused research at Mexico’s leading universities (2015–2023): a bibliometric analysis of structure, growth, collaboration, and specialization

Abstract The deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is fast approaching in 2030, yet progress in many areas remains slower than expected. The knowledge generated by universities plays a central role in meeting these goals within the established timeframe. In this context, analyzing how universities perform in producing relevant knowledge for the SDGs becomes critically important. However, there is still limited empirical evidence on how universities are contributing to this agenda, particularly in middle-income countries such as Mexico. This study examines publication and specialization patterns in SDG-related scientific output across 15 of Mexico’s most productive universities from 2015 to 2023. Using SciVal (based on Scopus), a set of bibliometric indicators was developed to assess dimensions such as impact, citation, collaboration type, and relative specialization. The findings indicate that publications related to the SDGs have increased at a faster rate than total scientific output across all institutions. These universities specialize in a diverse range of SDGs, with particular emphasis on SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). Additionally, new cases of specialization and extraordinary growth were documented in a group of SDGs referred to as “social” due to their alignment with social science disciplines (e.g., SDGs 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 16). These results provide valuable evidence for science policy and highlight the importance of strengthening the role of universities as key actors in addressing global and local sustainability challenges.