Environmental degradation, climate change, and resource scarcity have emerged as critical global challenges, posing significant threats to economic stability, public welfare, and sustainable development. These complex issues require not only technological innovation and policy reform but also a deep understanding of the economic mechanisms that drive environmental outcomes.

In response, this Collection focuses on how economies can effectively address these threats through data-driven research, advanced modeling, and strategic policy design. The issue brings together studies that apply econometric and statistical methods—such as time series analysis, panel regression, spatial econometrics, and simulation-based models like Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models—to assess environmental policies and measure their economic impacts. These analytical tools are used to quantify trade-offs, predict long-term outcomes, and guide decision-making under uncertainty. By bridging economics, environmental science, and public policy, this collection deepens the empirical and theoretical understanding needed to design effective responses. It strengthens the foundation for achieving environmental sustainability alongside economic resilience.

The United Nations recognizes 125 developing economies in 2024. These nations possess vast untapped potential, offering abundant resources and a burgeoning workforce. Their growth and development help drive global economic expansion, offer new market opportunities, and stimulate international trade and investment. Moreover, their voices are indispensable in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. In the last three decades, many developing countries have undergone significant economic and social transformations. By embracing market-oriented reforms, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and adopting sustainable practices, many nations such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc., have achieved remarkable progress in reducing poverty, improving living standards, and addressing environmental concerns.

As the world continues to evolve, shaped by globalization and technological advancements, it is imperative to critically examine the reforms and transitions of developing countries. By critically examining and/or analyzing both successes and failures, we can identify valuable lessons and best practices to inform and/or devise future policies and strategies desired. It is paramount that sharing knowledge and experiences among nations can foster collaboration, accelerate progress, and ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Discover Sustainability is pleased to announce a Collection focused on the latest advancements in social-economic reforms and transitions aimed at achieving sustainable development in the world’s developing nations. This Collection seeks to explore strong policies, innovative models, effective practices, and real-world case studies that address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing these countries. By sharing insightful findings and practical recommendations, this Collection aims to support and facilitate reforms and transitions that contribute to a more sustainable development for all countries in the coming decades.

In this Collection, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Institutional reforms and economic diversification

• Financial sector development and inclusive finance

• FDI, green FDI, The Global Minimum Tax

• Trade liberalization and regional integration

• Innovation and technological advancement

• Forestry, poverty reduction and rural livelihood

• Forest transition, land transition, land use policies

• Education and human capital development

• Environment, health, and growth

• Green tourism, green logistics, green transportation

• Gender equality and women’s empowerment

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation, nature-based solutions

• Sustainable forest management, restoration, and reforestation

• Renewable energy and energy efficiency

• Circular economy, sharing economy and waste management

• Good governance and corruption control

• Democratic governance and political participation

• Rule of law and property rights

• Public sector reform and capacity building

• Green transformation, digital transformation

• Knowledge management systems, Mindspongeconomics

• Culture Tower, environmental culture, eco-surplus culture, high-quality culture

• Sustainable consumption and production

• AI technology and cross-border trade for sustainable development

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to:SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13& SDG 16

Keywords: Sustainable Development; Economic Reform; Green Transformation; Digital Transformation; Economic Growth; Environmental Culture; Circular Economy; Mindsponge-Mindspongeconomics; Knowledge Management System