From ESG to sustainable development: a path designed for the Triple Helix Spheres

Abstract

This work examines the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and sustainable develop-ment (SD), highlighting a scientific gap in their effective connection. It aims to propose a framework with recommendations forpromoting SD through ESG, considering the governmental, business, and academic spheres from the triple helix (TH) perspec-tive. This framework provides guidelines for public policies, corporate practices, and scientific research, fostering a sustainablebalance between the economy, society, and the environment. Using the scientific methods of content analysis and technical–scientific scenario, various sources were analyzed, including patents, legislation, corporate reports, and scientific articles fromleading ESG countries. Its findings indicate that the strategic implementation of ESG enhances public governance, strengthenscorporate competitiveness, and drives academic innovation. Theoretically, this work articulates ESG and TH to advance SD the-ory. Practically, it enables governments, businesses, and academia to promote SD in an integrated manner.