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AI Leads, Cybersecurity Follows: Unveiling Research Priorities in Sustainable Development Goal-Relevant Technologies across Nations

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  • Emanuela Bran

    (Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
    Doctoral School of Sociology, University of Bucharest, 010181 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Răzvan Rughiniș

    (Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
    Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov, 050044 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Dinu Țurcanu

    (Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications and National Institute of Innovations in Cybersecurity “CYBERCOR”, Technical University of Moldova, MD-2004 Chișinău, Moldova)

  • Alexandru Radovici

    (Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This study presents a global analysis of research priorities for technologies relevant to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We examine 18 technological domains across countries, introducing a novel within-country rank metric to normalize differences in research output. Using a combination of linear regression and K-means cluster analysis, we identify factors influencing overall productivity and reveal distinct patterns in research priorities among nations. Our analysis of Web of Science total publication data yields five country clusters with specific technological focus areas: Eco-Tech Innovators, Cyber-Digital Architects, Bio-Industrial Pioneers, Geo-Data Security Analysts, and Cyber-Sustainable Integrators. We find that while economic indicators strongly predict overall research productivity, countries with similar economic profiles often exhibit divergent research priorities. Artificial Intelligence emerges as a top priority across all clusters, while areas such as blockchain and digital twins show lower prioritization despite their theoretical importance. Our findings reveal unexpected similarities in research focus among geopolitically diverse countries and highlight regional patterns in technological emphasis. This study offers valuable information for policymakers and researchers, enhancing our understanding of the global landscape of SDG-relevant technological research and potential avenues for international collaboration.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuela Bran & Răzvan Rughiniș & Dinu Țurcanu & Alexandru Radovici, 2024. "AI Leads, Cybersecurity Follows: Unveiling Research Priorities in Sustainable Development Goal-Relevant Technologies across Nations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-31, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:8886-:d:1498256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Nadine Bachmann & Shailesh Tripathi & Manuel Brunner & Herbert Jodlbauer, 2022. "The Contribution of Data-Driven Technologies in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-33, February.
    3. Rughinis, Cosima & Vulpe, Simona Nicoleta & Flaherty, Michael G. & Vasile, Sorina, 2022. "Vaccination, life expectancy, and trust: Patterns of COVID-19 vaccination rates around the world," MPRA Paper 111981, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Arash Hajikhani & Arho Suominen, 2022. "Mapping the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in science, technology and innovation: application of machine learning in SDG-oriented artefact detection," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(11), pages 6661-6693, November.
    5. Adele Parmentola & Antonella Petrillo & Ilaria Tutore & Fabio De Felice, 2022. "Is blockchain able to enhance environmental sustainability? A systematic review and research agenda from the perspective of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 194-217, January.
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