Mapping the Intellectual Structure of Sustainable Development Goals Research: A Bibliometric Science‐Mapping Analysis (2015–2025)

ABSTRACT Since their adoption in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a central framework shaping global sustainability research, policy, and practice. However, SDG scholarship remains fragmented across disciplines, themes, and geographical contexts, limiting understanding of its intellectual structure and thematic evolution. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric science‐mapping analysis of SDG research published between 2015 and July 2025. Following a PRISMA‐guided selection process, 5425 Scopus‐indexed articles published in ABDC‐ranked journals were analyzed using Bibliometrix, Biblioshiny (R), and VOSviewer. The analysis included performance analysis, keyword co‐occurrence, collaboration networks, thematic evolution, and strategic mapping. The findings show sustained growth in SDG research, with an annual publication growth rate of 41.21%. China, the United Kingdom, and India were the leading contributors, while the Journal of Cleaner Production was the most influential outlet. Thematic analysis shows a shift from broad sustainability discussions toward more specialized topics, including renewable energy, circular economy, artificial intelligence, and ESG‐related research. The results also reveal geographical and disciplinary disparities, particularly the limited representation of low‐income regions within the analyzed literature. This study contributes by mapping the intellectual structure, thematic development, and collaborative dynamics of SDG research over the past decade. The findings offer useful guidance for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to identify emerging priorities, research gaps, and opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross‐regional collaboration toward the 2030 SDG agenda.