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1. The GAPFRAME and its link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The GAPFRAME is a normative framework that translates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into nationally relevant issues and indicators for business. It provides a national assessment showing where a country is today as compared to where it should be in the future.

The GAPFRAME is developed by translating the 17 SDGs into 24 issues relevant to all nations and business, as summarized in the Figure 1 and outlined in the steps below.

Gaframe: Global goals relevant for every nation and business

Step 1: The GAPFRAME groups the 17 SDGs into four sustainability dimensions: environment (we call it planet), society, economy and governance.

Step 2: The global goals are adapted and completed, resulting in 24 relevant issues for every single country in the world. Three issues are added to the governance dimension which is underrepresented in the SDGs. Those include: business integrity, public finance, and transparency. The economy, society and environment dimensions are complemented with the resource use, social integration, and clean air issues, respectively. Finally, the global Goal 12 (sustainable consumption and production) is split into two separate issues given the relevance and impact of each, particularly for business.

Step 3: 68 publicly available indicators substantiate the 24 GAPFRAME issues, averaging about 2.8 indicators per issue. The most recently observable values for individual indicators are recorded for 196 countries.

More detailed information about the GAPFRAME concept can be found in our publication in the International Journal of Management Education, which can be downloaded here.

Methodology

Biodiversity

Sustainable Development Goal 14

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

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Sustainable Development Goal 15

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

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Carbon Quotient

Sustainable Development Goal 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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Oceans

Sustainable Development Goal 14

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Land & Forests

Sustainable Development Goal 2

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

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Sustainable Development Goal 15

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

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Clean Air

Sustainable Development Goal 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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Water

Sustainable Development Goal 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

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Clean Energy

Sustainable Development Goal 7

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

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Waste Treatment

Sustainable Development Goal 11

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

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Health

Sustainable Development Goal 2

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

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Sustainable Development Goal 3

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

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Equal Opportunity

Sustainable Development Goal 4

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Sustainable Development Goal 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Sustainable Development Goal 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

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Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

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Sustainable Development Goal 5

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

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Living Conditions

Sustainable Development Goal 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

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Sustainable Development Goal 7

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

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Sustainable Development Goal 11

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

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Social Integration

Sustainable Development Goal 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

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Quality of Life

Sustainable Development Goal 1

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Sustainable Development Goal 2

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Employment

Sustainable Development Goal 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

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Resource Use

Sustainable Development Goal 11

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

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Sustainable Consumption

Sustainable Development Goal 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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Sustainable Production

Sustainable Development Goal 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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Innovation

Sustainable Development Goal 9

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

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Public Finance

Additional issue.

Structural Resilience

Sustainable Development Goal 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

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Peace & Cooperation

Sustainable Development Goal 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

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Sustainable Development Goal 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

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Sustainable Development Goal 17

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Business Integrity

Additional issue.

Transparency

Additional issue.

No Poverty

GAPFRAME Issue 14: Quality of Life

The Quality of Life issue frames a situation where nations provide the basis for sustainable human and economic development, lowering poverty and helping people afford a better quality of life. By ensuring the physical and emotional well-being, societies become resilient and supportive, able to cope with the demands and challenges of daily living.

Zero Hunger

GAPFRAME Issue 4: Land & Forests

The Land & Forests issue draws a picture of balanced and thriving terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, land and mountains that provide vital habitats for all kind of species. The responsibly managed land is fertile and free of hazardous chemicals, able to sustain high-quality agricultural plant growth in order to meet society’s demand for food.

GAPFRAME Issue 9: Health

The Health issue draws a picture of a universal and financially sustainable system that provides secure and affordable access to quality health care for all. The system helps people to stay healthy throughout their lives by promoting healthy lifestyles, incentivizing healthy and balanced nutrition, and developing an environment and infrastructure that facilitate population health.

GAPFRAME Issue 14: Quality of Life

The Quality of Life issue frames a situation where nations provide the basis for sustainable human and economic development, lowering poverty and helping people afford a better quality of life. By ensuring the physical and emotional well-being, societies become resilient and supportive, able to cope with the demands and challenges of daily living.

Good Health and Well-being

GAPFRAME Issue 9: Health

The Health issue draws a picture of a universal and financially sustainable system that provides secure and affordable access to quality health care for all. The system helps people to stay healthy throughout their lives by promoting healthy lifestyles, incentivizing healthy and balanced nutrition, and developing an environment and infrastructure that facilitate population health.

Quality Education

GAPFRAME Issue 10: Equal Opportunity

The Equal Opportunity issue frames a situation where nations empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender, age or socioeconomic status. All people have equal access to opportunities, gaining education and skills that allow them to realize their potential and live a fulfilled life.

GAPFRAME Issue 11: Education

The Education issue describes a situation where nations invest in “human capital” by providing access to high-quality education to all citizens, irrespective of their gender or socioeconomic status. The educational institutions (with well-equipped infrastructure and competent teachers) encourage life-long learning and allow to acquire relevant knowledge and skills that are vital for sustainable development and general well-being of societies.

Gender Equality

GAPFRAME Issue 11: Education

The Education issue describes a situation where nations invest in “human capital” by providing access to high-quality education to all citizens, irrespective of their gender or socioeconomic status. The educational institutions (with well-equipped infrastructure and competent teachers) encourage life-long learning and allow to acquire relevant knowledge and skills that are vital for sustainable development and general well-being of societies.

Clean Water and Sanitation

GAPFRAME Issue 6: Water

The Water issue describes a situation where nations and communities achieve universal and secure access to high-quality drinking water. The water resources required to produce food are used responsibly and efficiently, maintaining the natural environment in a sustainable manner.

GAPFRAME Issue 12: Living Conditions

The Living Conditions issue draws a picture of nations that are committed to provide their residents with decent living conditions; the foundation for safety and well-being for all and at all ages. An adequate standard of living implies making the human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Among other factors, citizens are provided with secure access to drinking water, hygiene & sanitation, clean energy, appropriate housing and safe transportation – all designed with respect for the environment.

Affordable and Clean Energy

GAPFRAME Issue 7: Clean Energy

The Clean Energy issue envisions a situation where nations and communities gain universal access to affordable and reliable clean energy coming from renewable sources like wind, solar or geothermal power. The renewable energy generates electricity with little or no pollution, reducing the global warming effect.

GAPFRAME Issue 12: Living Conditions

The Living Conditions issue draws a picture of nations that are committed to provide their residents with decent living conditions; the foundation for safety and well-being for all and at all ages. An adequate standard of living implies making the human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Among other factors, citizens are provided with secure access to drinking water, hygiene & sanitation, clean energy, appropriate housing and safe transportation – all designed with respect for the environment.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

GAPFRAME Issue 10: Equal Opportunity

The Equal Opportunity issue frames a situation where nations empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender, age or socioeconomic status. All people have equal access to opportunities, gaining education and skills that allow them to realize their potential and live a fulfilled life.

GAPFRAME Issue 15: Employment

The Employment issue describes a world where nations attain sustained and robust employment situation that boost shared prosperity and social cohesion by providing decent and inclusive work for women and men across all working-age groups. Persons of any age, race or origin − including those from most vulnerable groups − are effectively protected from forced labour, human trafficking, or other slavery-like practices.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

GAPFRAME Issue 19: Innovation

The Innovation issue illustrates a situation where the national economy promotes technological progress, investing in innovation and infrastructure to support sustainable development and human well-being. Societies have equal access to information and knowledge which rises the entrepreneurship as well as the technological and social innovation across the globe.

Reduced Inequalities

GAPFRAME Issue 10: Equal Opportunity

The Equal Opportunity issue frames a situation where nations empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender, age or socioeconomic status. All people have equal access to opportunities, gaining education and skills that allow them to realize their potential and live a fulfilled life.

GAPFRAME Issue 22: Peace & Cooperation

The Peace & Cooperation issue describes a situation where nations and communities attain a sustained level of peace, security, and prosperity, including also interregional solidarity and cooperation. Each nation and every citizen has a voice and is heard.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

GAPFRAME Issue 8: Waste Treatment

The Waste Treatment issue envisions a situation where nations and communities treat and eliminate the generation of harmful and persistent wastes by redesigning products & processes as well as by changing societal patterns. The society develops and shares best practices for minimalization of all kinds of waste, their recycling, reuse and their correct disposal, in order to protect environment while preserving natural resources.

GAPFRAME Issue 12: Living Conditions

The Living Conditions issue draws a picture of nations that are committed to provide their residents with decent living conditions; the foundation for safety and well-being for all and at all ages. An adequate standard of living implies making the human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Among other factors, citizens are provided with secure access to drinking water, hygiene & sanitation, clean energy, appropriate housing and safe transportation – all designed with respect for the environment.

GAPFRAME Issue 16: Resource Use

The Resource Use issue delineates a situation where business and the economy consume resources (e.g., energy, water, land, materials) in a responsible, sustainable and efficient manner in order to keep pace with the needs of a continuously growing global population.

Responsible Consumption and Production

GAPFRAME Issue 17: Sustainable Consumption

The Sustainable Consumption issue seeks to describe a situation where people and communities consume materials, products and services in a way that have minimal impact on the environment – respecting the planetary boundaries. Conscious consumption results from sustainable lifestyle adopted by societies that purchase, consume, and reuse goods and commodities with respect to the environment.

GAPFRAME Issue 18: Sustainable Production

The Sustainable Production issue frames a situation where products and services are created with attention to potential environmental, social and economic costs and benefits. Produced goods and delivered services are safe for workers and healthful for consumers and communities. Economic players are sound, solid and responsible. Waste and ecologically incompatible by-products that present hazards to human health or environment are avoided across the entire supply chain.

Climate Action

GAPFRAME Issue 2: Carbon Quotient

The Carbon Quotient issue describes a situation where nations and communities live within the ecological limits of the planet, respecting the Earth’s regenerative capacity.

GAPFRAME Issue 5: Clean Air

The Clean Air issue seeks a situation where ambient air is of high quality − free of hazardous pollutants, smoke or dust. The air in cities and rural areas is clean & safe all year long, permitting for outdoor activities without a risk for health.

Life Below Water

GAPFRAME Issue 1: Biodiversity

The Biodiversity issue envisions a world where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are balanced, healthy, and thriving − ensuring natural sustainability for all life forms on the planet. The climatic conditions are stable and favourable for sustaining a wide variety of species living in their natural habitats.

GAPFRAME Issue 3: Oceans

The Oceans issue envisions a situation where oceans are alive at a stable temperature, with thriving species of all kinds including a strong diversity of fish as a sustainable source of nutrition; clean of chemical, plastic and other pollution.

Life on Land

GAPFRAME Issue 1: Biodiversity

The Biodiversity issue envisions a world where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are balanced, healthy, and thriving − ensuring natural sustainability for all life forms on the planet. The climatic conditions are stable and favourable for sustaining a wide variety of species living in their natural habitats.

GAPFRAME Issue 4: Land & Forests

The Land & Forests issue draws a picture of balanced and thriving terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, land and mountains that provide vital habitats for all kind of species. The responsibly managed land is fertile and free of hazardous chemicals, able to sustain high-quality agricultural plant growth in order to meet society’s demand for food.

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

GAPFRAME Issue 13: Social Integration

The Social Integration issue describes a situation where nations and communities attain foundation for a respectful, diverse and cross-cultural environment. It imagines societies that are tolerant, open and just, enhancing non-violent community interactions and collaborations across various social groups, including minorities.

GAPFRAME Issue 21: Structural Resilience

The Structural Resilience issue describes a situation whereby a nation is able to respond to rapid change and disasters of all kind, from natural, cyber to financial, and remain a place of safety and security for its inhabitants. It includes framework conditions for a robust economy with regulated financial markets, fair trading structures, and corruption and bribery in check.

GAPFRAME Issue 22: Peace & Cooperation

The Peace & Cooperation issue describes a situation where nations and communities attain a sustained level of peace, security, and prosperity, including also interregional solidarity and cooperation. Each nation and every citizen has a voice and is heard.

Partnerships for the Goals

GAPFRAME Issue 22: Peace & Cooperation

The Peace & Cooperation issue describes a situation where nations and communities attain a sustained level of peace, security, and prosperity, including also interregional solidarity and cooperation. Each nation and every citizen has a voice and is heard.