Abstract
The rapid proliferation of terms such as green technology, clean technology, eco-innovation, environmental technology, and sustainable technology reflects the growing scholarly and practical attention to technological solutions for sustainability. However, this semantic abundance has led to conceptual ambiguity and fragmented understanding. This paper critically examines the multiplicity of terms used to describe technologies intended to enhance sustainability and to propose a unified framework clarifying their relationships and distinctions. Using a literature review and conceptual analysis, the study synthesizes definitions and classifications of sustainability-related technologies from academic sources from different disciplines. It identifies the dominant focus on environmental performance across most terms, while economic and especially social dimensions of sustainability remain underrepresented. The paper argues that sustainable technology should be recognized as an overarching concept that explicitly integrates environmental, economic, and social considerations, thereby differentiating it from narrower notions such as green or clean technology. The proposed framework contributes to the theoretical consolidation of sustainability and innovation research by offering clearer conceptual boundaries and analytical criteria for future empirical studies. In managerial terms, the study emphasizes that organizations adopting technology for sustainability should assess its holistic impact across all three dimensions of sustainable development. Clarifying these conceptual overlaps enhances the coherence of sustainability discourse and supports both scholars and practitioners in designing, implementing, and evaluating technologies that truly advance sustainable development.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
