Innovation for Sustainable Growth: Strategies, Systems, and Global Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, innovation has become a major driver of economic growth, productivity gains, and competitive advantages. However, traditional models of growth are increasingly being questioned in the face of global environmental challenges, social inequalities, and resource limitations. As a result, the intersection between innovation, economic performance, and sustainable development has emerged as a cornerstone of academic investigation and policy significance.

Innovation-driven economic growth refers to development models in which technological advancement, digital transformation, institutional reform, and entrepreneurship fuel long-term progress, while remaining aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the post-pandemic era, and amidst intensifying climate pressures, there is a growing need to redesign economic systems around inclusive, resilient, and sustainable innovation.

This Special Issue seeks to contribute to the academic and policy-oriented dialogue on how innovation can be leveraged to promote sustainable economic outcomes, reduce disparities, and foster systemic transformation.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather cutting-edge research and case studies exploring the role of innovation as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, across multiple sectors, regions, and institutional contexts.

By bridging theoretical and empirical perspectives, this collection aims to advance understandings of how innovation can support environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic dynamism, both in developed and developing economies.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but need not be limited to) the following:        

Innovation systems and sustainable growth models;·        

The role of technological innovation in achieving the SDGs;·        

Green innovation and circular economy strategies;·        

Innovation in emerging markets and developing economies;·        

Digital transformation and economic resilience;·       

Public policy for innovation-driven development;·        

Social innovation and inclusive economic growth;·         

Innovation ecosystems and regional development;·        

Measurement and indicators of sustainable innovation impact;·        

Entrepreneurship and sustainability transitions;·        

Collaborative innovation networks and multi-stakeholder platforms for sustainable development. We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Prof. Dr. Oana Florina Virlanuta
Prof. Dr. Teresa Paiva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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