How Uncertain is the Emergence of Knowledge Related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? An Analysis of Scientific Knowledge Diversification at Utrecht University

The study of synergies and trade-offs among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has captured growing scientific interest. However, how scientific knowledge addressing multiple SDGs emerges and contributes to improving synergies and addressing trade-offs remains unclear. To analyse this emergence and its uncertainties, Utrecht University serves as a case study due to its funding initiatives, promotion of strategic themes in sustainability, and incentivisation of cross-faculty collaboration to implement the 2030 Agenda. Using bibliometric methods and complex systems indications, the interactions between SDGs are evaluated within and across knowledge communities. The study reveals a high degree of interconnectedness between knowledge communities closely associated with the SDGs and those less related to them. It also examines the diversification of disciplines, stakeholders and SDGs for two areas of specialization at Utrecht University: Health & Well-being (SDG 3) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Results highlight unique knowledge-sharing characteristics and potential limitations for these SDGs. Combining knowledge across SDGs proves challenging due to stakeholder disagreements and unclear social and cognitive translations. The findings suggest specific support for SDGs is essential to foster collaboration across fields and stakeholders, enabling knowledge communities to advance impactful SDG research. Integrating SDG research through top-down strategic plans may be insufficient, as each SDG has distinct characteristics requiring tailored approaches. Universities should adopt a bottom-up strategy to identify existing knowledge capabilities and redirect them toward integrating multiple SDGs in scientific knowledge production.