The Integration of the Water‐Energy‐Food Nexus Framework Into Corporate Sustainability Strategies: A Systematic Literature Review

The integration of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus into Corporate Sustainability (CS) offers a more resilient and comprehensive approach to resource management. However, despite growing attention to this topic, its implementation in the corporate context remains underexplored and largely fragmented. Through a systematic literature review of 56 articles, this study examines (i) how the Nexus is conceptualized in managerial literature and translated into CS instruments and practices, and (ii) the barriers that hinder its adoption in CS strategies. Our findings identify four frameworks through which managerial literature connects the Nexus to corporate practices: circular economy, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and ecosystem approaches. These frameworks translate into principles and practical tools to integrate the WEF Nexus into CS more effectively. Regarding the barriers, our analysis identifies three recurring obstacles: siloed organizational structures, ambiguous system boundaries, and limited stakeholder collaboration, which hinder the translation of Nexus principles into tangible managerial CS practices. The study formulates managerial recommendations to enhance the adoption of WEF principles in CS strategies. It advocates for the evolution of existing CS instruments through innovative, comprehensive methodologies and analytical tools. Finally, it proposes that future research should integrate organizational and behavioral theories with empirical work on managerial motivations, financial performance, and stakeholder dynamics, thereby deepening the understanding of how to improve the integration of the WEF Nexus into CS strategies.