DECONSTRUCTING SDG PERFORMANCE FOR STRATEGIC INSIGHT: QUANTITATIVE INSIGHTS FROM TÜRKİYE AND EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

Significant disparities remain in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among European Union (EU) member and candidate countries, despite their common commitments. This article aims to address this issue by examining Türkiye's SDG performance through an in-depth, indicator-based comparative analysis with other EU and non-EU European countries. The methods include standardized scoring of indicators on a 1–10 Likert scale, regression analyses, and comparative visualization techniques. The data comprises quantitative SDG indicators from the EUROSTAT database, gathered from April to August 2024, encompassing 79 indicators related to 16 SDGs. Findings reveal that while Türkiye holds the lowest overall rank, it exhibits notably high performance in specific indicators significantly surpassing the European average in certain areas. These strengths highlight substantial potential areas where Türkiye can leverage existing successes to enhance its overall sustainability performance. However, Türkiye also demonstrates critical weaknesses, with the lowest scores in 32 out of 79 indicators, particularly in SDGs such as gender equality, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and no poverty. The study’s results provide policymakers with detailed insights into Türkiye's SDG-related strengths and weaknesses, guiding targeted interventions to reinforce and expand upon these areas. This focused analytical approach offers practical guidance for future strategic planning and emphasizes the value of nuanced, indicator-based evaluations in sustainability assessments.