Net-Zero Transition and Its Impact on Firms' Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth Within the Framework of Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

The transition to net zero (NZ) faces challenges such as uneven institutional readiness, fragmented policy frameworks and rising energy demands from population growth, economic expansion and artificial intelligence (AI). These obstacles are intensified by technological, financial and regulatory uncertainties that impede coordinated efforts across sectors and regions. Central to this challenge is the energy domain, where legacy systems, fossil fuel dependency and inadequate infrastructure drive up emissions. For resource-constrained firms, aligning decarbonisation targets with operational and economic realities adds further complexities. To better understand these dynamics, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) exploring how NZ strategies influence energy efficiency and economic performance at the firm level. Using PRISMA guidelines alongside the Tranfield et al. framework and VOSviewer with MATLAB for bibliometric analysis, the review identifies eight thematic clusters that encompass barriers and enablers of NZ transition. Additionally, the SLR findings reveal five literature gaps, including limited empirical studies, underrepresentation of small and medium enterprises, sectoral silos, lack of SDG-aligned frameworks and minimal utilisation of systems-based modelling. Hence, this paper advances prior studies by consolidating the fragmented literature on how NZ strategies influence both firms' EE and economic growth. By integrating bibliometric mapping with a thematic synthesis of 171 unique barriers and 91 enablers and highlighting this nexus within the framework of SDGs 7 and 8, this study provides a unified foundation for setting directions for future research and informing NZ policy and practice.