Maximising the benefits of sustainable development target interactions: An integrated priority analytical model applied to China

Wang, Y., Zelingher, R., Strelkovskii, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6862-1768, Song, C., & Gao, P. (2025). Maximising the benefits of sustainable development target interactions: An integrated priority analytical model applied to China. Journal of Cleaner Production 529 e146764. 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146764.

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Abstract

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires effective prioritisation tools that account for synergies and trade-offs across targets. Existing multicriteria models often overlook negative and higher-order interactions, limiting their capacity to guide systemic transformation. In this study, a three-dimensional priority model that integrates (1) the cascading impacts of each target across the SDG network, (2) the influence of interactions on individual target progress, and (3) current performance trends is proposed. This framework distinguishes between temporal priority (urgency and direction of intervention) and resource priority (required allocation intensity), enabling more targeted and cost-effective strategies. We apply the model to China's SDG targets using network and time series data from the IGES SDG Interlinkages database. The results show that only 11.9 % of the targets require immediate action, especially in terms of biodiversity preservation and forest management. Furthermore, 27.4 % of targets face systemic obstacles that demand greater resource investment, concentrated in SDGs 12 (responsible consumption and production), 15 (life on land), and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). In contrast, the targets of SDG 13 (climate action) are bolstered by synergistic effects and can progress with more modest inputs. This integrated approach offers a practical and transferable tool for policy-makers to prioritise SDG targets on the basis of systemic influence, feasibility, and urgency, especially under resource constraints.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainable development goals, Priority analytical model, SDG interactions, Network analysis, Multicriteria, China
Research Programs:	Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) > Cooperation and Transformative Governance (CAT) Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) > Exploratory Modeling of Human-natural Systems (EM) Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP)
Depositing User:	Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2025 07:38
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2025 07:38
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/20925

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