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Reimagining Sustainable Development and Economic Performance Indicators: A Human-Centric Maslow–Bossel Blueprint

Author

Listed:
  • Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos

    (Department of Regional and Economic Development, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), 33100 Amfissa, Greece
    School of Health and Sports Sciences, New York College in Collaboration with the University of Bolton, 10558 Athens, Greece)

  • Ioannis Vardopoulos

    (Foundation for Mediterranean Studies—MeDiterrate, 15452 Psychiko, Greece
    Department of Agricultural Development, Agri-Food and Natural Resources Management, School of Agricultural Development, Nutrition and Sustainability, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA), 34400 Psachna, Greece
    Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus (OUC), Nicosia 2231, Cyprus)

  • Marco Maialetti

    (Independent Researcher, 00195 Rome, Italy)

  • Clio Ciaschini

    (Department of Economic and Social Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy)

  • Phoebe Koundouri

    (Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
    School of Economics and ReSEES Research Laboratory, Athens University of Economics and Business, 10434 Athens, Greece
    Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Denmark Technical University (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Luca Salvati

    (Department of Methods and Models for Economics, Territory and Finance (MEMOTEF), Faculty of Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Reflecting the shift from purely quantitative economic growth to broader socio-environmental sustainability, this study proposes a framework for assessing sustainable development (SD) by integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with Bossel’s classification system. As economic development increasingly emphasizes sustainability, numerous organizations and agencies, including the United Nations, have developed indicators to measure sustainable progress. However, subjective dimensions of SD, grounded in individual values and needs, remain underexplored. This study operationalizes Maslow’s “pyramid of needs” alongside Bossel’s system to establish an “SD pyramid”, distinguishing dimensions and indicators that capture social, economic, and environmental complexity. By mapping human needs onto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study contributes to delineating (i) the research areas uncovered (or partly covered) with relevant indicators, (ii) a significant lack or partial shortage of pertinent information, and (iii) a combination of a few basic indicators summarizing the necessary information into a unique measure of SD. The outcomes offer a foundation for a quali-quantitative assessment of SD, enhancing the monitoring tools focusing on subjective and contextual needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos & Ioannis Vardopoulos & Marco Maialetti & Clio Ciaschini & Phoebe Koundouri & Luca Salvati, 2024. "Reimagining Sustainable Development and Economic Performance Indicators: A Human-Centric Maslow–Bossel Blueprint," Economies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:12:y:2024:i:12:p:338-:d:1540024
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