Information management and the use of digital platforms for environmental transparency: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Information Management has been the focus of studies that stress information as a strategic resource for decision-making in public and private organizations. When decisions rely on environmental digital platforms, factors such as the transparency and availability of the information they generate and disseminate must be considered. From this perspective, the study seeks to identify which Information Management aspects related to the use of digital platforms are highlighted in research on transparency for environmental management, how relevant they are, and where the research gaps lie. This is a Systematic Literature Review. Simultaneous searches were conducted in April 2024 in three databases: two international (Scopus and Web of Science) and one national (SciELO Brazil). The PRISMA statement (2020) was used to structure each phase using eligibility criteria, following its checklist to assign tasks. After searching, storing, and selecting the studies, the methodological path enabled their analysis and interpretation in line with the review’s objectives. The results highlight relevant aspects of the studies—such as the use of platforms for environmental transparency, information availability, conflicts among certifying bodies in the field, and digital platforms for environmental management—as well as gaps, chiefly the need to develop innovative technological solutions to overcome system complexity and the lack of tools for user utilization and interpretation. A small number of studies addressing the core research question was identified, pointing to new opportunities in this area.