Sustainable Development through Research and Innovation: Insights from East Asia and ASEAN’s Engagement with SDGs

In an era marked by rapid economic growth, the nations of East Asia and the ASEAN stand at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development. Despite their significant progress, the depth of their research and innovation contributions has not been fully explored. This study aims to fill this gap by examining a comprehensive collection of 33,685 publications that have contributed to 21% of the global research efforts related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2015. Focusing on China’s leadership in SDG 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy,” and the substantial efforts of countries such as Japan, Indonesia, the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore, this research provides a detailed view of the innovation landscape in these regions. By utilizing advanced methods such as bibliometrics and BERTopic analyses, this study offers macroscopic as well as microscopic insights into innovation systems in the combined region of East Asia and ASEAN, thereby making it the first of its kind. As our study revealed an ongoing shift toward Industry 5.0, technological clusters related to key technologies such as digital twins, blockchain, network robotics, 3D printing or additive manufacturing will be game-changing technologies, while strategies based on digital and ICTs will be the key for marketing and managerial roadmaps of the region. By proposing evidence-based policy recommendations and highlighting the importance of embracing technologies crucial for Industry 5.0, this research presents valuable insights for building a more inclusive and sustainable future and for strengthening the innovation ecosystems of constituent countries. This study not only enriches the academic discussion on sustainable development and innovation but also provides practical guidance for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders across East Asia and the ASEAN, aiming to enhance the impact and effectiveness of their research and innovation ecosystems.