Mapping AI’s Contribution to SDGs: Insights from a Bibliometric Study

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require innovative solutions to address global challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with the potential to significantly contribute to achieving these goals. This study used bibliometric analysis to examine the role of AI in advancing the SDGs (AI4SDGs), drawing on data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 1900 to 2025. Big data analysis, bibliometrics and VOSviewer software were used to analyse a total of 897 publications. The results reveal a substantial surge in AI-related publications since 2021, with a peak anticipated in 2024. China has the highest publication output, followed by India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis revealed eight key research clusters, including AI applications in healthcare, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and smart cities. Despite the growing recognition of AI’s potential, certain social science-related SDGs (e.g. SDGs 1, 5, 8, 14, 16 and 17) remain underrepresented. This study highlights the growing body of research on artificial intelligence for sustainable development goals (AI4SDGs) and suggests that future work should address gaps in social sustainability and integrate AI with social science methods to promote a more holistic approach to sustainable development.