Handling a complex agenda: A review and assessment of methods to analyse SDG entity interactions. Issue 131 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horvath, Sophia-Marie; Muhr, Maximilian Michael; Kirchner, Mathias; Toth, Werner; Germann, Verena; Hundscheid, Laura; Vacik, Harald; Scherz, Marco; Kreiner, Helmuth; Fehr, Franz; Borgwardt, Florian; Gühnemann, Astrid; Becsi, Benedikt; Schneeberger, Annemarie; Gratzer, Georg
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 131(2022)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 176
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: ABM Agent based modelling -- Account Accounting framework -- ARDL Autoregressive distributive lag bounds test -- ASA Advanced sustainability analysis -- BBN Bayesian belief network -- Case studies Review of case studies -- CGE Computable general equilibrium models -- CI matrix Cross-impact matrix -- CLD Causal loop diagram -- Corr Correlation analysis -- CPH Cox proportional hazards models -- Descr Descriptive statistics -- ESM Energy system models -- Expert Structured elicitation of expert information -- GMM Generalised method of moments -- IAM Integrated assessment models -- IO Environmentally-extended multi-regional input-output models -- JCA Joint correspondence analysis -- KWA Keyword analysis -- LMM Linear mixed effect models -- N scale Nilsson scale -- Non-syst Non-systematic literature review -- NWA Network analysis -- PCA&FA Principal component analysis and Factor analysis -- PGC Pairwise granger causality test -- Q Reg Quantile regression, bootstrapped -- Reg Regression analysis -- SD System dynamics modelling -- SDG Sustainable Development Goal -- Semi-syst Semi-systematic literature review -- Syst Systematic literature review; Sustainable Development Goals -- Interactions -- Interlinkages -- Synergy -- Trade-off -- SDG implementation -- Policy coherence; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2022.01.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Abstract: The interlinked character of the 2030 Agenda poses both a challenge and an opportunity in terms of coherent policy making. Accordingly, different methods have been used in approaching the interactions between SDG entities (goals, targets, indicators, policies, external entities) in several recent publications. In this paper, we provide a review and assessment of methods used for analysing SDG entity interactions. Specifically, we assess the suitability of these methods for addressing policy coherence at different levels and from different perspectives. A total of 30 methods are categorised into argumentative, literature, linguistic, simulation, statistical, and other quantitative methods and are examined with expert elicitation applying a range of criteria on the basis of the following factors: the ability to give detailed information about effects between SDG entities, practicability, sensitivity to interdisciplinarity, and collaboration and systems thinking. No single method, category, or research tradition (i.e. quantitative or qualitative) can be regarded as the most suitable for analysing SDG entity interactions. Quantitative methods (i.e. statistical, simulation, and other quantitative) are most frequently applied in the scientific context, although assessment results suggest that argumentative methods are particularly useful for obtaining information about effects while enabling interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In contrast, literature, linguistic, and quantitative methods can not be used to process different kinds of information. However, regarding the effort required, quantitative methods (except simulation methods) seem to require fewer resources. Although argumentative methods are evaluated best overall in our assessment, different implementation contexts and the importance assigned to the criteria may justify the application of most other methods as well. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: A literature review and assessment was performed to explore SDG entity interactions. Argumentative, literature and simulation methods are best in analysing interactions. Statistical methods have lower time requirements. Argumentative methods encourage interdisciplinarity and collaboration.