From publications to policy: New global analysis shows how academic research shapes sustainable development

A landmark report from Springer Nature in partnership with Overton reveals the strongest evidence to date of how academic research is shaping real policy decisions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Released during COP30, the analysis draws on more than 12 million policy documents and offers a new lens on the connection between science and global action.

The findings show that SDG policy documents cite more research than non SDG policy. This signals a clear relationship between scientific evidence and policymaking on challenges such as public health, climate resilience and social development.

Unlike previous studies that concentrate on what research is about, this analysis examines how research is used to support evidence, justify recommendations or influence policy directions.

Key insights from the report

• Open access articles are cited in policy almost a year earlier than non open access work.
• Reviews, letters and news articles, despite representing a small share of academic output, are highly cited. Policymakers value concise insights that translate complex research quickly.
• Think tanks, NGOs and IGOs cite research more frequently than governments, highlighting their crucial role as knowledge brokers.
• Inclusive journals are slightly more likely to be cited in SDG policy than selective journals. All validated research has the potential to inform policy regardless of where it is published.

The report also uncovers global disparities. Seventy eight percent of research cited in SDG policy involves authors based only in the Global North. Few Global South countries cite domestic research in national policy, with India and Brazil standing out as exceptions.

Springer Nature and Overton provide recommendations for researchers, publishers and institutions to ensure the world’s most urgent challenges are met with strong evidence. Their suggested actions include expanding open access, producing more policy ready content and strengthening partnerships across the knowledge ecosystem.

Nicola Jones, Director of the SDG Programme at Springer Nature, said the analysis fills a critical gap.

With just five years until the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, understanding how research informs policy is critical. We know science and research can solve problems, but only if it reaches decision makers. This analysis is the missing piece of the puzzle, showing quantifiably for the first time where research has an impact on the goals and where gaps remain. We’ve learnt so much, and we hope what we’ve found sparks collaboration across the research ecosystem to help close those gaps. Thank you to Overton for their fantastic partnership in producing such rich findings.

Katie Shamash, Head of Data at Overton, noted that the approach provides a clearer picture of real-world influence.

... We took a novel approach, looking at how research is cited in SDG-related policy, rather than the topic of the research itself. This approach paints a much clearer picture of how research is being used in practice to drive real policy change and advance the Goals. ... 

Dr Lauren Sullivan MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology Board, emphasised the importance of rigorous evidence and the access to robust, peer-reviewed research being vital for creating impartial briefings that support better laws and better outcomes for the people they affect.

The report is available on a dedicated Shorthand webpage, along with a short video summarising the findings.

Springer Nature and Overton will host a webinar on 29 January 2026 to discuss the findings in more depth. Sign up here.