sustainability-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Advancements in Entrepreneurship, Economic Analysis, and Business Strategy from a Sustainable Perspective

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: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 4741

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Management, University of Turin, 10134 Turin, Italy
Interests: accounting; accountability; sustainability; digital transformation

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Production Engineering, Fluminense Federal University—UFF, Av. dos Trabalhadores, 420-Vila Santa Cecília, Volta Redonda, 27255-125, RJ, Brazil
Interests: operational excellence; human-centric engineering; integration of industry 5.0; Lean thinking

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Finance and Law, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai 400077, India
Interests: corporate finance; sustainable finance; project finance; project management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Advancements in Entrepreneurship, Economic Analysis, and Business Strategy from a Sustainable Perspective", aims to explore the synergies between sustainable practices and corporate growth. It focuses on how entrepreneurship can drive economic development while adhering to sustainability principles, offering a holistic vision that is both innovative and pragmatic. This Special Issue seeks to serve as a valuable addition to the existing literature by providing insights and contributions that highlight the tangible integration of sustainability into business models and strategies.

Our scope encompasses the latest trends in sustainable business practices, the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies on organizational behavior, and the role of innovation in creating responsible business models. We welcome research employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches to define, measure, and monitor sustainability through cutting-edge tools and applications.

This Special Issue is particularly relevant as it addresses sustainability challenges, socio-economic impacts, scientific progress, and integrated approaches to sustainable development. It aligns with the journal’s mission to investigate sustainability in business, including policies, regulations, and practical applications that can pave the way toward a more sustainable future.

We look forward to your contributions and to the enriching dialog this Special Issue will inspire.

Dr. Federico Lanzalonga
Prof. Dr. Andrei Bonamigo
Dr. Harnesh Makhija
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

  • sustainable entrepreneurship
  • green business models
  • ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies
  • corporate sustainability strategies
  • economic analysis in sustainability
  • business innovation for environment
  • social impact of entrepreneurship
  • sustainable development goals (SDGs)
  • green economics
  • sustainable business practices

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

40 pages, 736 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Consumption and Branding for Gen Z: How Brand Dimensions Influence Consumer Behavior and Adoption of Newly Launched Technological Products
by Dimitrios Theocharis and Georgios Tsekouropoulos
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4124; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094124 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 1494
Abstract
Generation Z is emerging as a powerful force in shaping global consumer behavior, particularly in the market of digital and technological products. This study examines how specific branding dimensions, such as online brand experience, engagement, image, trust, loyalty, awareness, behavioral intention, and brand [...] Read more.
Generation Z is emerging as a powerful force in shaping global consumer behavior, particularly in the market of digital and technological products. This study examines how specific branding dimensions, such as online brand experience, engagement, image, trust, loyalty, awareness, behavioral intention, and brand knowledge, influence Gen Z’s purchase intention, emphasizing sustainable consumption. Sustainable consumption, in this context, refers to the preference for tech products that minimize the environmental impact through eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing. Using a quantitative approach, this cross-sectional research explores the effects of online brand experience, engagement, image, trust, loyalty, awareness, behavioral intention, and knowledge on purchasing newly launched technological products that align with sustainability. Data were collected from a Gen Z sample using a combination of convenience and systematic sampling, and multiple regression analysis identified the most significant predictors of purchase intention. The results indicate that online brand experience, brand image, brand trust, and brand loyalty play the most crucial roles, having a greater effects on Gen Z’s purchase intention, while brand awareness and knowledge also contribute. However, brand engagement and behavioral intention have weaker effects. These findings suggest that brands targeting Gen Z should prioritize building a strong, trustworthy, and engaging online presence while highlighting their sustainability efforts, and when Gen Z consumers have favorable digital interactions with a brand, perceive its image positively, trust it, and feel loyal to it, they are more likely to consider purchasing its sustainable offerings. This study enhances the understanding of Gen Z’s consumer behavior and offers insights for businesses seeking to foster sustainable consumption by highlighting the importance of developing marketing strategies that strengthen online brand experience, cultivate trust and loyalty, and clearly communicate sustainability values, such as through engaging digital content, transparent messaging, and eco-conscious branding, to effectively foster sustainable consumption among this environmentally conscious and digitally driven generation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 553 KiB  
Article
The Circular Economy and the Role of Technology in the Fashion Industry: A Comparison of Empirical Evidence
by Patrizia Gazzola, Enrica Pavione, Rainer Hillebrand, Vincenza Vota and Rebecca Rosa
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073104 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1546
Abstract
The present article analyses the theme of circularity in the fashion industry, with particular attention to the role of technology in favoring the adoption of circular economic models. The article explores the role of technology in supporting the circular economy in the fashion [...] Read more.
The present article analyses the theme of circularity in the fashion industry, with particular attention to the role of technology in favoring the adoption of circular economic models. The article explores the role of technology in supporting the circular economy in the fashion industry, focusing on the implementation of circular business models by three companies: SHEIN, Ralph Lauren, and Cotopaxi. The aim is to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of circular economy practices in an industry known for its environmental impact. The research highlights how technology, particularly software such as Materia MX, can facilitate streamlined supply chains, reduced waste, and optimized resource efficiency, thus, overcoming obstacles such as high investment costs and supply chain complexities. The case studies demonstrate how each company has integrated circular practices, such as recycling, reusing materials, and improving transparency through technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, to promote sustainability. Thus, the study emphasizes the importance of technological innovation in enabling a more sustainable and circular future for the fashion industry while addressing challenges related to consumer awareness, regulatory pressures, and infrastructure. The results suggest that technology is a key factor in the fashion industry’s transition to a circular economy, offering a competitive advantage and facilitating the achievement of environmental objectives. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2026 KiB  
Article
Addressing the Demand for Green Skills: Bridging the Gap Between University Outcomes and Industry Requirements
by Tamíris da Costa, Lorena Irazu Aranda Lopez, Camila Perussello, Fiona Quinn, Quentin G. Crowley, Helena McMahon and Nicholas M. Holden
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062732 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
The transition to a green economy requires a workforce equipped with green skills to meet the demands of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This study investigates the alignment between university educational outcomes and industry requirements in Ireland, addressing the persistent gap in green [...] Read more.
The transition to a green economy requires a workforce equipped with green skills to meet the demands of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This study investigates the alignment between university educational outcomes and industry requirements in Ireland, addressing the persistent gap in green skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys were conducted with students from three Irish universities and companies across diverse sectors. The findings reveal a strong recognition of the importance of green skills among students and companies, yet significant barriers remain. Students report challenges in accessing practical learning experiences, balancing education with personal commitments, and navigating the costs of green certifications. Companies acknowledge the growing need for sustainability expertise but often fail to integrate green skills into recruitment and training strategies, citing high competition for talent and limited awareness of emerging green roles. This study highlights the need for systemic changes in both education and industry. Universities should adopt experiential learning approaches, expand industry collaborations, and ensure flexible access to green education. Companies must prioritise upskilling programmes and align hiring practices with sustainability goals. Policymakers are encouraged to foster public–private partnerships and incentivise investments in green skills development. Addressing these challenges can strengthen the country’s position as a leader in the global green transition, fostering innovation and inclusivity in its workforce. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 939 KiB  
Article
The Opportunity Cost Between the Circular Economy and Economic Growth: Clustering the Approaches of European Union Member States
by Dumitru Alexandru Bodislav, Rareș Mihai Nițu, Grigore Ioan Piroșcă and Raluca Iuliana Georgescu
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062525 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 646
Abstract
The circular economy (CE) framework is increasingly recognized as essential for achieving sustainable development by addressing the challenges of resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. This study examines the relationship between resource consumption, waste management procedures, and energy efficiency within European Union [...] Read more.
The circular economy (CE) framework is increasingly recognized as essential for achieving sustainable development by addressing the challenges of resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. This study examines the relationship between resource consumption, waste management procedures, and energy efficiency within European Union (EU) member states, leveraging data from 2004 to 2023. Using Pearson correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and K-means clustering, this study identifies key sustainability performance indicators and classifies EU nations into four distinct clusters based on CE adoption. These findings reveal a strong positive correlation between resource productivity and circular material use, indicating that efficient resource management significantly enhances sustainability performance. Similarly, energy productivity exhibits a moderate correlation with resource efficiency, suggesting that economies optimizing energy consumption also enhance material use efficiency. This study also assesses the role of policy instruments, such as environmental taxation, which show a weak negative correlation with resource productivity. These insights provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to tailor interventions, harmonize sustainability strategies, and address regional disparities to accelerate the transition to a resilient and efficient circular economy model. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop