ABSTRACT
This entry aims at identifying what sustainable development means and how it functions. Our discussion starts from the distinct as well as connecting point between sustainability and sustainable development. Since the basic characteristic of sustainable development is described as a triangulation among environment, economy, and social equity, debates and views on the notion are structured in that way as well. In the field of public administration, not many studies have done rigorous empirical tests to determine how sustainable development works; but, meaningful contributions have been made from researching mechanisms of local sustainability initiatives. We conclude that the “sustainability” of sustainable development as an idea in good standing will depend upon its successful implementation, and so implementing sustainable development will prove less contentious than defining it.
