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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 22706

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Patricia P. Iglesias-Sánchez

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Guest Editor

Departament of Business Administration, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
Interests: entrepreneurship; startups; open Innovation; women-led companies; entrepreneurial Intention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Carmen Jambrino-Maldonado

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Guest Editor

Departament of Business Administration, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
Interests: communication and social media; open innovation; corporate reputation; health communication; smart tourism destination; influencers on social media
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In an era characterized by rapid environmental and social changes, the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation management and sustainable development has become increasingly important. Entrepreneurs and innovators play a pivotal role in shaping the future, as they create new business and innovator ventures, especially start-ups, products and technologies that have the potential to drive positive change while addressing critical global challenges. This Special Issue entitled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development” aims to explore the dynamic relationship between entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability from a different prism.

We invite original research papers, reviews articles and case studies that address (but are not limited to) the following topics:

Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Examining the role of entrepreneurship in promoting sustainability, including green startups, social enterprises and sustainable business models.
Innovation for Sustainability: Investigating how innovation and technology can be harnessed to advance sustainability goals across various industries.
Stakeholder Involvement: Analyzing how stakeholder involvement can promote sustainability and innovation in a collaborative environment that produces more competitive companies.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Exploring the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation, paying special attention to university entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Sustainable Business Strategies: Analyzing strategies and practices that enables firms to integrate sustainability into their core operations and decision-making processes.
Circular Economy and Social Innovation: Research on these principles and their application in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Policy and Regulation: Assessing the influence of government policies and regulations on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and fostering meaningful discussions on the critical nexus of entrepreneurship, innovation management and sustainability development.

Dr. Patricia P. Iglesias-Sánchez
Dr. Carmen Jambrino-Maldonado
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

entrepreneurship
sustainability
innovation
startups

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Role of Government-Certified Incubators in Early-Stage Financing

by Jiang Du, Jing Li, Bingqing Liang and Zhenjun Yan

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3854; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093854 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 898

Abstract

In the sustainable evolution of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the efficiency of early-stage capital allocation directly affects the intergenerational transmission capacity of innovation resources. The financing barriers caused by information asymmetry urgently require institutional solutions. This study, based on tracking data from 19,463 startups in China’s information technology sector (2016–2019), analyzes how government-certified incubators (GCIs) optimize the sustainability of the entrepreneurial ecosystem through signaling mechanisms. The empirical results show that collaboration with a GCI can significantly increase the likelihood of IT startups securing venture capital by approximately 25%. This effect is not only due to the strict screening and resource support provided by GCIs, but also due to their role in amplifying internal signals from startups, such as the experience of founders and intellectual property. Notably, in the IT sector, the impact of GCIs is more significant for startups traditionally disadvantaged, particularly those led by female founders. Our research demonstrates that GCIs drive the sustainable development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem through three signaling mechanisms: (1) institutional certification screening, which optimizes the intergenerational allocation efficiency of ecosystem resources; (2) the signaling validation–amplification mechanism, which enhances the value of intellectual property and founder experience, alleviating investors’ challenges in quantifying startup potential; (3) inclusive signal rebalancing, where GCI certification significantly improves the funding success rate of female founders, breaking traditional market biases in screening disadvantaged groups and supporting the inclusive and sustainable development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These findings provide a new pathway for emerging economies to optimize the resilience of their entrepreneurial ecosystems through policy tools: for governments, GCIs achieve sustainable development goals at low institutional cost; for investors, the signal integration mechanism reduces investment information friction; and for entrepreneurs, certification endorsements accelerate market validation of sustainable business models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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23 pages, 1619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Entrepreneurial Clusters in Advancing Circular Bioeconomy and Innovation: A Case Study from Romania

by Boglárka Vajda, Gabriela Drăgan, Lajos Vajda, Mária-Magdolna Gáspár and Miklós Levente Bagoly

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093787 - 23 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 823

Abstract

This paper explores how bioeconomy-specialized clusters function as systemic intermediaries that support innovation, coordination, and business transformation in the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Using a qualitative case study methodology, we analyze how bioclusters in Romania enable SME development, knowledge transfer, and cross-sector innovation, ultimately strengthening regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Findings highlight the role of clusters in supporting innovation management, access to financing, and policy alignment in the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. By fostering entrepreneurial networks, facilitating skill development, and supporting SME-driven innovation, clusters act as catalysts for inclusive and resilient business growth. This study highlights how clusters create an enabling environment by providing access to financing, technology, and market expansion opportunities. Although focused on a specific regional biocluster ecosystem, the findings underscore the scalability and replicability of this model across Europe, reinforcing its contribution to entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economic development. This study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems and circular bioeconomy governance, emphasizing the role of clusters as intermediary organizations that facilitate business-led sustainability transitions. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, outlining strategies to strengthen cluster-based innovation, enhance SME competitiveness, and embed circular practices into national and regional bioeconomy strategies. This paper’s added value lies in combining the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework with empirical evidence from Romanian clusters—a context underexplored in current literature on circular bioeconomy transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Startup Success in Hospitality & Tourism SMEs in Emerging Economies: How Innovation and Growth Are Driven by Entrepreneurial Orientation, Networking Strategy, Leadership, and Flexibility

by Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Seweryn Zielinski and Celene B. Milanes

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3485; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083485 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1961

Abstract

This research examines how sustainability driven innovation and performance factors influence Nepali tourism-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating with limited resources. It investigates the relationships between entrepreneurial leadership (EL), network orientation (NO), and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) by integrating the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Strategic Fit Theory. The study positions strategic flexibility (SF) as a moderator between EL and NO in shaping startup performance (SP), with technological innovation capabilities (TIC) acting as a mediator. EO plays a critical role in startup success, helping businesses overcome resource constraints and adopt sustainable practices such as green technologies and energy-saving methods. Through TIC, SMEs convert strategic orientations into competitive advantages, enabling them to address environmental and social sustainability challenges. In Nepal’s fragmented tourism sector, NO and EL do not directly affect organizational performance. However, the findings confirm that SF’s adaptive capability bridges EL and SP, underscoring adaptability as a key driver of sustainable growth. The research provides valuable insights into tourism and entrepreneurship in resource-scarce settings, highlighting adaptive strategies and technological advancement as critical for resilience and long-term sustainability. To explain how tourism SMEs in resource-constrained contexts, such as Nepal, achieve sustainable growth, the study integrates the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Strategic Fit Theory. The findings indicate that strategic flexibility (SF) and technological innovation capabilities (TIC) play significant mediating and moderating roles in linking entrepreneurial strategies to performance within fragile ecosystems. While previous research has primarily focused on advanced economies, this study demonstrates how SF and TIC mediate entrepreneurial strategies in fragile environments, offering practical implications for sustainable development in emerging markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Environmental Sustainability Commitment Affect Corporate Environmental Performance: A Chain Mediation Model

by Jinshan Zhang, Xuan Shao and Tingshu Sun

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3461; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083461 - 13 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1046

Abstract

Amid escalating ecological concerns and regulatory pressures, firms are adopting environmental sustainability commitments to enhance competitiveness and fulfill social responsibilities. However, the internal mechanisms linking these commitments to environmental performance remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates how corporate environmental sustainability commitments improve environmental performance by integrating the Planned Behavior Theory and Organizational Change Theory. Using structural equation modeling with 324 firm-level responses, we identify a chain mediation pathway. Results indicate that environmental sustainability commitment positively influences corporate environmental performance through the chain-mediating effects of green readiness and green opportunity identification and exploitation. By extending the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, we delineate three dimensions of green readiness, showing that organization readiness exhibits the strongest mediating role. This study advances theoretical understanding by mapping the pathway from sustainability intentions to performance through internal capabilities and actions. Practically, it helps firms systematically align environmental and economic goals while avoiding greenwashing risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Multidimensional Relational Network Embedding on the Carbon Emission Reductions of Manufacturing Enterprises: From the Mediating and Regulating Roles of Technological Innovation

by Bo Zhao, Li Lv, Xiaojuan Luo and Xinzao Huang

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041655 - 17 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 637

Abstract

Promoting low-carbon, green development in the industrial sector is crucial for the sustainable development of the economy and society in China. As the micro-entity of industrial carbon reduction, the question of how to enhance the carbon reduction capacity of industrial enterprises has attracted widespread attention. Research suggests that a multidimensional relationship network, consisting of government, market, industry, and public networks and network reputation, significantly influences enterprises’ carbon emission performance. Based on the survey data of 1226 manufacturing enterprises, this study empirically examines the impact of multidimensional relationship network on the carbon emissions of enterprises and its mechanism from a micro-perspective. The findings reveal that relational network embedding significantly reduces the carbon emission intensity, and the reduction effect becomes stronger as the embedding degree increases. Compared to the government and industry networks, the market network, public network, and network reputation have a more significant impact on carbon emission reduction. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the reduction effect is more significant in enterprises with a higher carbon emission intensity and digital level. The mechanism analysis also highlights the role of technological innovation as a mediator and regulator in strengthening the carbon emission reduction effect of relationship network embedding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Moderated Mediation Model of Entrepreneurship Education, Competence, and Environmental Dynamics on Entrepreneurial Performance

by Feng Liu, Guimei Yang and Putthiwat Singhdong

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8502; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198502 - 29 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial competence, and entrepreneurial performance, focusing on the moderating role of environmental dynamics under conditions of high and low environmental dynamics. Using SPSS 21.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 software, this quantitative research analyzed survey data from 424 college students in China who have started their own businesses. The results indicate that entrepreneurship education has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial performance. Furthermore, environmental dynamics moderate the indirect effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial performance through entrepreneurial competence, with the indirect effect being stronger when environmental dynamics are high. The study also underscores the need for the sustainable development of entrepreneurship education, ensuring that educational programs evolve continuously to meet the changing demands of entrepreneurial environments. The findings highlight the importance of entrepreneurship education in fostering entrepreneurial competence and enhancing entrepreneurial performance. However, due to the cross-sectional design and self-reported nature of the data, the ability to draw causal inferences is limited. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and objective performance measures to further investigate these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 1387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unlocking Sustainable Economic Development in Saudi Arabia through the Coffee Industry

by Abdullah Sultan Al Shammre

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7367; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177367 - 27 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2215

Abstract

Conducting business nowadays has become much more challenging. Sustainability is a crucial goal for all industries, including the coffee sector, which has emerged as a robust trend in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), establishing Saudi Arabia as one of the pioneers in developing specialty coffee in the Gulf region. Hence, in an attempt to reveal the determinants of sustainability, this study examined the effect of collective individual capabilities (i.e., commitments, communication, connections, and coordination) on entrepreneurial resilience and the subsequent effect on economic, social, and environmental firm performance. This study used a cross-sectional design to collect quantitative data from 213 respondents using non-probability-based convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS. Findings revealed that commitment has a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial resilience. On the other hand, resilience showed significant positive effects on the economic, social, and environmental performance of coffee shops in Saudi Arabia. Results further confirm a significant mediating effect of entrepreneurial resilience between commitments and economic, social, and environmental performance. Several key insights and policy implications have been drawn from the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Green Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy as an Innovation Factor That Enables the Creation of New Sustainable Business

by Victoria Eugenia Sanchez-Garcia, Cristina Gallego, Juan Antonio Marquez and Elena Peribáñez

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167197 - 22 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3515

Abstract

This study examined the role of green entrepreneurial self-efficacy (GESE) through the lens of dynamic capabilities in innovation and adaptation. The research model postulated a relationship between the reconfiguration of entrepreneurial capabilities necessary to achieve a sustainable business model in the market. A structured questionnaire was adopted, validated, and disseminated among 917 entrepreneurs in Spain and Portugal (Iberian Peninsula). The findings confirmed a significant positive effect of dynamic capabilities on green and sustainable entrepreneurial intentions, mediated by self-efficacy. The study’s results indicate significant relationships between the capabilities studied, and that innovation and adaptation capabilities influence green entrepreneurial self-efficacy. These results are fundamental in guiding the market towards business models that need to be reconfigured to generate value through social impact. We offer management implications for organizations, academics, and other stakeholders, such as policymakers, so that the needs of the green market in the Iberian Peninsula can be met more efficiently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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27 pages, 4329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Platforms as a Fertile Ground for the Economic Sustainability of Startups: Assaying Scenarios, Actions, Plans, and Players

by Morteza Hadizadeh, Javad Ghaffari Feyzabadi, Zahra Fardi, Seyed Morteza Mortazavi, Vitor Braga and Aidin Salamzadeh

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167139 - 20 Aug 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4946

Abstract

This study examines the transformative role of digital platforms in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship within emerging economies. We argue that platforms transcend mere communication channels, acting as catalysts for innovation and collaboration among startups, thereby driving economic, social, and environmental progress. Our framework emphasizes platform-enabled startups, navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these dynamic markets. We adopt a dual lens, using a mixed-methods approach to analyze digital development trends through the prism of platforms in emerging economies. This reframes the discourse on technology-driven development, acknowledging the unidirectional flow of platform adoption from developed nations. The research emphasizes the need for prioritizing sustainability standards in these regions. Furthermore, we delve into the interplay between platforms and sustainable entrepreneurship with the following three objectives: (1) deciphering the drivers of platform–startup interaction for sustainability goals, (2) formulating policies to maximize platform benefits while mitigating risks, and (3) developing actionable strategies for stakeholders to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of sustainable platform-based ventures. The findings of this study reveal six key uncertainties that will shape the future trajectories of sustainable entrepreneurship within digital ecosystems, particularly in developing nations. These uncertainties encompass the following: environmental and social standards, ongoing education and development, mobile application development and utilization, global market access, and competitiveness and value creation. Several alternative future scenarios have been constructed based on these uncertainties, including advancements in digital technologies, dynamic market conditions and evolving consumer behaviors, a heightened emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and a paradigm shift towards collaborative business models. A comprehensive framework of supportive policies and interventions has been proposed to facilitate the realization of these scenarios. Moreover, the analysis underscores the pivotal roles of digital platform providers and startups as key stakeholders in this evolving landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 2838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ukrainian Women’s Entrepreneurship and Business Ecosystem during the War: New Challenges for Development

by Tetiana Stroiko, Patricia P. Iglesias-Sanchez, Carmen Jambrino-Maldonado, Elena Fernández-Díaz and Carlos de las Heras-Pedrosa

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093829 - 2 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

This research focuses on the key aspects of the basis of women’s entrepreneurship in the particular case of the Ukrainian ecosystem of entrepreneurship. Even in wartime, entrepreneurship is a chance to overcome circumstances, and it should be developed for women and men. A correlation regression analysis and simulation modeling were carried out in order to rank the priorities for the development of types of economic activity of small business entities managed by women, making it possible to substantiate the forecast of the development of women’s entrepreneurship in Ukraine for 2024–2026. The findings show the positive impact of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the need to continue to strengthen policies that encourage and facilitate female entrepreneurship. This analysis provides three types of development scenarios for women’s entrepreneurship in Ukraine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management under Sustainable Development)

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