Mapping the Intersection of Strategic Management and Sustainability

Abstract

The merging of strategic management and sustainability has become a focal point in both academic inquiry and corporate practice, reflecting growing recognition of the need for long-term value creation that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. This paper maps the intellectual structure of this intersection through a systematic literature review and bibliometric, drawing on data from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzing over a decade of scholarly output between 2015 and 2025, the study identifies key themes, theoretical anchors, and clusters of research that define this interdisciplinary space. The findings show the evolution of the field from early studies emphasizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental management to more recent work integrating sustainability into the core of strategic planning, innovation, and performance management. These highlight how firms navigate complexity and uncertainty while aligning strategic objectives with sustainability imperatives. By visualizing the knowledge structure, the paper not only clarifies the fundamental literature but also uncovers emerging frontiers such as circular economy strategies, sustainable innovation, and the role of digital transformation in advancing ESG outcomes. This bibliometric review offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to integrate sustainability deeply into strategic decision-making processes. The paper concludes by suggesting future research directions to address underexplored areas and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration that fosters holistic, actionable approaches to sustainable strategy. UDC: [005.1:330.342]:001.891; JEL: C80, M10, Q01, Q56