Exploring the impact of digital knowledge, integration and performance on sustainable accounting, reporting and assurance
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to perform bibliometric analysis to systematically and comprehensively examine the current landscape of digital knowledge, integration and performance in the transformation of sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a systematic literature review, following the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Review protocol and uses various bibliometric and performance analytical methods. These include annual scientific production analysis, journal analysis, keyword cooccurrence analysis, keyword clustering, knowledge gap analysis and future research direction identification to evaluate the existing literature thoroughly.
Findings
The analysis reveals significant insights into the transformative impact of digital technologies on sustainability practices. Annual scientific production and journal analyses highlight key contributors to the adoption of digital technologies in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance. Keyword cooccurrence analyses have identified key themes in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance, highlighting the transformative role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and big data. These technologies enhance corporate accountability, transparency and sustainability by automating processes and improving data accuracy. The integration of these technologies supports environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, circular economy initiatives and strategic decision-making, fostering economic, social and environmental sustainability. Cluster-by-coupling analyses delve into nine broader revealing that IoT improves ESG report accuracy, eXtensible Business Reporting Language structures ESG data and AI enhances life cycle assessments and reporting authenticity. In addition, digital transformation impacts environmental performance, big data optimizes resource use and edge computing improves eco-efficiency. Furthermore, this study identifies avenues for future research to advance the understanding and implementation of digital technology in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance practices.
Research limitations/implications
Academically, this research enriches the understanding of how digital technologies shape sustainability practices and identifies gaps in digital knowledge and integration. Practically, it provides actionable insights for organizations to improve sustainability reporting and performance by effectively leveraging these technologies. Policy-wise, the findings advocate for frameworks supporting the effective implementation of these technologies, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.
Originality/value
This study offers a detailed analysis of the performance and intellectual framework of research on implementing digital technology in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance. It highlights the evolving research landscape and emphasizes the need for further investigation into how emerging technologies can be leveraged to achieve sustainability goals.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
As the authors are non-native English speakers, during the preparation of this work, they used ChatGPT to improve readability and English language of the paper suitably. After using this tool, all authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and took full responsibility for the content of the publication.
The authors extend their gratitude to the Systematic Literature Review Explorers research group at the Research Centre, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Special thanks are due to Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal, former Director; Dr A.D.N. Gunarathne, current Director; and Prof. G.D.N. Perera, Secretary, for their invaluable efforts in establishing and advancing the research group.
Citation
De Silva, P., Gunarathne, N. and Kumar, S. (2024), "Exploring the impact of digital knowledge, integration and performance on sustainable accounting, reporting and assurance", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-02-2024-2383
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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