Eco-efficiency considering NetZero and data envelopment analysis: a critical literature review

Abstract

We highlight the state-of-the-art in the eco-efficiency measurement using Data Envelopment Analysis, including Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index. We also consider productivity change over time, provide directions for future studies in the field, and gather the most recent policy suggestions for governments, organisations and sectors for reducing CO2 emissions. A structured literature search of the Web of Science academic database reveals 311 papers published between 1989 and 2022. We carry out network analysis of citations to show the evolution of the literature in this research topic. In doing so, we (a) examine the key-route main path of knowledge flows, (b) provide basic bibliometric information about the most active journals and authors, (c) conduct a qualitative in-depth analysis of the identified most important studies and (d) identify the research fronts and relate them to the emerging issues on the topic researched, focusing on the most recent period between 2000 and 2022. Based on the insights of the literature review, the second part of this paper critically analyses the papers on the key-route (main path) of this subject. This review can be used as guidance and a starting point for researchers and practitioners that want to further investigate optimal policies to reach NetZero.