Promotion of Sustainable Development Strategies: A Systematic Implementation Analysis in Organizations and Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Interest in sustainable development has increased significantly in recent decades, prompting organizations and educational institutions to reassess their management and training models. However, in sectors such as industry, a partial vision persists that prioritizes financial indicators over environmental ones.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify the strategies that have been used to promote sustainable development in organizations and which ones have been used in the teaching and learning process to foster the understanding and application of sustainable development in the university training context.

Methods: This study analyzes, based on a systematic literature review conducted in the Scopus database, a set of 30 recent publications that document strategies for implementing sustainable development in organizations and higher education institutions (HEIs).

Results: The findings reveal that, at the organizational level, practices such as circular economy, digital leadership, and technological innovation are particularly notable. In HEIs, on the other hand, active methodologies, curricular mainstreaming, and the design of governance structures oriented to sustainability gain relevance.

Conclusions: Although progress is evident, significant challenges remain in impact assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the institutionalization of sustainable policies. The study suggests the need to strengthen research lines in sustainability and to consolidate theoretical and methodological frameworks that guide concrete actions in these environments.