The Impact of E-Commerce on Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Growth: A Multidimensional Approach in EU Countries
Claudiu George Bocean, Adriana Scrioșteanu, Sorina Gîrboveanu, Marius Mitrache, Ionuț-Cosmin Băloi, Adrian Florin Budică-Iacob, Maria Magdalena Criveanu
Abstract
In the digital age, e-commerce has become a critical part of modern economies, shaping global economic growth and the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study uses robust statistical methods to explore the complex relationships between traditional trade, e-commerce, and key economic and sustainability indicators. The General Linear Model (GLM), factor analysis, and linear regression reveal that conventional trade remains vital for GDP growth, even though e-commerce clearly influences SDG performance. The study emphasizes the catalytic role of e-commerce in advancing sustainability by showing how treating it as a dependent variable speeds up SDG progress through Brown, Holt, and ARIMA forecasting models. Additionally, cluster analysis uncovers a strong link between higher SDG scores and increased e-commerce activity, with countries scoring better on sustainability often having more companies in the digital economy and earning more online. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of how e-commerce can support global sustainability goals, along with integrated policy recommendations that promote digital transformation and long-term environmental and social resilience.