This study presents a bibliometric analysis of sustainable development (SD) research
in higher education institutions (HEIs) from 2015 to 2023, analyzing 1,122 articles
using VOS viewer. Findings reveal a significant rise in publications, from 105 in 2019
to 263 in 2023, reflecting growing academic focus on sustainability in HEIs. The UK
emerged as the most prolific contributor, with 5,450 citations, underscoring its scholarly impact. Citation trends peaked at 3,745 in 2019 but declined thereafter.
International collaborations and leading Q1 journals highlighted the field’s global
engagement and research quality. The analysis emphasizes a rapidly expanding body
of research, driven by contributions from select countries. Limitations include
restricted database sources and the need for broader publication avenues. The study
concludes with recommendations for HEIs to strengthen sustainability initiatives
through curricular integration of SD concepts, faculty development, cross-institutional
partnerships, and policy reforms to institutionalize sustainable practices. These insights
offer a comprehensive overview of current research trends, guiding strategies to
enhance HEIs’ role in advancing sustainability. The findings affirm the field’s academic
rigor while identifying areas for future exploration, such as expanding data sources
and fostering interdisciplinary research. The study emphasises HEIs’ vital role in sustainable development and suggests measures to boost their influence.