Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals

A managerial perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID20201396
AuthorsEnrico Guarini (0000-0002-2592-7254, University of Milano-Bicocca), Elisa Mori (0000-0002-0764-893X, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, corresponding author), Elena Zuffada (0000-0001-8635-0180, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)
Year2022
Volume34
Issue5
Pages583-601
Publication date2022-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Public Budgeting Accounting & Financial Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1096-3367 • E-ISSN: 1945-1814
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jpbafm-02-2021-0031
OpenAlexW3208654934
LanguageEN
Citations received28
References cited35

Purpose This article investigates how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be integrated into the strategic planning and management processes of local governments (LGs). It draws from the classic strategic planning and control framework developed in management studies and elaborates some propositions for adapting, implementing and monitoring the SDGs at the city level. Design/methodology/approach As a first step in the assessment of the ways the principles of sustainable development can be integrated into LG management, this research scrutinizes the incorporation of sustainability goals in the strategic plans of all medium-to-large capital cities of provinces in Italy, a context in which there has been a National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) since 2016. Findings The focus on SDGs at the LG level in Italy is in its initial stage, and few capital cities have started to integrate sustainable development concerns into their comprehensive strategic plans. SDGs are used mainly as a reference framework in the strategic plans to demonstrate the contribution of LG strategies to global concerns on sustainable development. Practical implications The paper offers insights for political leaders and public managers to rethink their strategic management systems, including the continuous process of evaluating and updating of strategic plans, in accordance with the multidimensional perspective of sustainability. To this end, the study has identified possible patterns of actions that public managers elsewhere will find useful. Originality/value The managerial approach behind the proposed conceptual framework might contribute to effectively localize the SDGs in multilevel government settings and to integrate the concept of sustainability as a guiding principle into organizational routines

Business · Economics · Environmental resource management · Geography · Knowledge management · Political science · Process management · Strategic control · Strategic financial management · Strategic management · Strategic planning · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Computer Science · Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting · Public Policy and Administration Research · Sustainable Building Design and Assessment · Marketing

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access