Contribution of sustainable investment to sustainable development within the framework of the SDGS: the role of the asset management industry

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to understand how scholarly research addresses sustainable investments’ contribution to sustainable development (SD) within the sustainable development goals (SDG) framework. This is achieved by focusing on how the asset management industry, through the practice of advanced sustainable investment strategies, can contribute more efficiently to SD. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a systematic literature review using the content analysis method and comprised between the years 2015 and 2021 is carried out. Findings A systematic literature review shows that the asset management industry is critical to integrating SDGs in financial markets, through their influence on investee companies or their investment products. The findings also indicate that SDGs are integrated into investment portfolios, particularly those managed according to the impact investment strategy and those that practice active ownership. However, the integration is not homogeneous. Research limitations/implications This review has limitations derived from search engineering. In addition, research goals have conditioned the exclusion of articles that merely refer to the SDGs. Moreover, since SDGs were launched in 2015, not enough time has elapsed to analyze the total contribution of sustainable investment to achieving the SDGs. Practical implications This study provides the basis for a multidisciplinary debate related to developing a good integration of SDGs in the asset management industry under new global challenges. Social implications Given the disconnection between the expansion of sustainable investment and sustainability achievements, this research aims to deepen the understanding of how sustainable investment can contribute more efficiently to SD within the framework of SDGs. Originality/value This analysis advances previous academic research by providing insights into new pathways for future studies on how to approach the asset management industry's challenges to contribute to sustainable development efficiently in the current context.