BARTER MARKETS IN SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

Global barter transactions have shown significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their potential contribution to sustainable economic systems has not been fully understood. This research aims to analyze the application of sustainability concepts in the context of barter markets, explore digital technology support for barter market sustainability, and provide effective technological solutions for barter market sustainability and for understanding the causes of barter development in the modern era. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol. Article searches were performed in Scopus and WOS databases with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessment of articles used MMAT, and data extraction was carried out systematically. Data analysis used NVIVO software with coding and thematic analysis. A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review. The results show that barter markets contribute to sustainability through three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social. Ten key digital technologies were identified to support barter market sustainability, with online barter platforms, social networks, and B2B marketplaces showing the most balanced sustainability profiles. Overall, integrated technological approaches are more effective than single solutions. Four primary factors that drive the evolution of barter systems are economic, environmental, social, and technological factors, which the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated. In conclusion, barter markets provide an alternative exchange system that supports sustainability through product life cycle extension, economic resilience, and enhanced social cohesion. Digital technology plays an important role in overcoming traditional barter constraints, but its implementation requires consideration of environmental impacts. By leveraging the power of barter and digital technology, important steps can be taken toward a more resilient, fair, and sustainable future.