## 1 Introduction  
Sustainable development can be seen as an anthropocentric view of the inter-relationships between environmental and socio-economic issues [1]. On its seventieth anniversary in September 2015, the United Nations (UN) general assembly adopted the resolution, \"Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development\". With its 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) and 169 targets, Agenda 2030 presented a plan to achieve a vision of a peaceful world free from hunger, poverty, and environmental deterioration, a world of prosperity and the efficient use of natural resources for all [2]. Agenda 2030 is a call for partnership, solidarity, and mobilization of all efforts at all levels [3]. In July 2017, the UN general assembly added a total of 231 measurable indicators under the SDG framework, introducing a layer of complexity of SDG interactions that needs to be unraveled to optimize the benefits of their implementation [4]. There is a consensus among governments, experts, and researchers that a localization process is necessary to realize the SDGs at the level of locally and regionally driven operations [5]. The 2030 Agenda emphasized the need for inclusive participation and stakeholder engagement for the successful implementation of the goals. Nonetheless, the SDG framework is perceived as a top-down approach and criticized for an insufficient focus on systems stakeholders' perspectives and the potential role of businesses [6]. SDG achievement depends on the integration of SDGs into local business practices, created policies, internal education, active management, and engagement in partnerships [7]. Moreover, SDG integration in corporate culture is associated with a paradigm shift toward shared values of a sustainable future, as demonstrated by the SDGs [6]. Businesses can derive clear objectives from the SDG global priorities, aligned with governmental policies, societal interests, and appeal for private sector investors [8]. The formation of multi-stakeholder partnerships for SDG implementation is an opportunity that benefits both governmental and non-governmental actors [9]. Education is placed at the heart of Agenda 2030 and SDG implementation and educating business leaders and society about the goals of the agenda is a necessary precursor for local integration [10]. Universities have the capacity to lead the cross-sectoral integration of the SDG, not only by educating the professional work force in the targeted sectors, but also by initiating cross sectoral communication among the different stakeholders and providing research-based contributions [11]. In local contexts, the implementation and monitoring must be operationalized within the national, sub-national, and local structures, processes, and practices [12]. While many firms and corporations around the world are struggling to develop a definition of sustainability and its associated requirements to both guide and scope their efforts, the SDGs provide a guiding vision to achieve sustainability as a result of collective international endeavors [13]. The SDGs are creating a platform for a systemic sustainability transition and providing relatively well-defined terms for relevant communications. Successful implementation of the SDG targets is seen as a promising way forward to achieve global sustainability [14]. SDG achievement requires a shift in mindset from transition to transformation in research, innovation, technology, and policy [15]. The integration of the SDGs within a system is a powerful catalyst for the system's development and increased efficiency [16; 17]. There is a proven correlation between SDG integration and communication maturity [7]. SDG fulfillment depends on their reflection in the knowledge systems used to develop mission statements, action plans, corporate reports, and other business tools [18]. One of the main challenges facing SDG implementation is the limited availability of the relevant performance data due to a delay in quantifying and monitoring SDG indicators [19].