Strategic Prioritization of Sustainable Sectors in India Using BCG Matrix: A Seda Based Assessment

Abstract

This study applies a modified Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix—integrated with the Sustainable Economic Development Assessment (SEDA) framework—to strategically prioritize key economic sectors in India based on both growth potential and sustainability performance. Six major sectors were selected according to their economic and employment significance. Sectoral performance was assessed using recent data on economic, social, and environmental indicators, sourced from national surveys (PLFS, Energy Statistics, etc.) and normalized to ensure comparability. A composite SEDA score was calculated for each sector, and sectors were classified on the BCG matrix by combining these scores with normalized growth and market share metrics. The analysis reveals distinct sectoral strengths and vulnerabilities: Trade & Transport and Financial Services emerge as priority “Stars”, while Manufacturing serves as a “Cash Cow”, Agriculture as a “Question Mark”, and Construction and Public Administration as “Dogs”. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, suggesting that targeted investment, policy support, and sector-specific sustainability reforms are required to maximize India’s progress towards its SDG and ESG objectives. The study demonstrates a reproducible, data-driven methodology for sectoral prioritization and highlights the need for integrated sustainability assessments in economic planning.