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Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment

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 March 2026 | Viewed by 14236

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Business Studies, University of Rome Tre, 00154 Rome, Italy
Interests: Sustainable management; Entrepreneurship; ESG business performance; Communities and participatory governance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Management, University of Bologna, Via Capo di Lucca 34, Bologna, Italy
Interests: sustainability;circular economy;SMEs, networks;financial and non-financial reporting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to submit your research to the forthcoming Special Issue on “Entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business development in a changing economic environment”. This issue aims to explore the dynamic interplay between innovative entrepreneurial ventures and sustainable business practices amidst evolving cultural and socio-economic conditions and environmental scenarios.

As the global economy faces unprecedented challenges and transitions, such as the rise of AI and other disruptive technologies, geo-political turbulence, climate change, and biodiversity loss risk, the role of entrepreneurship in fostering sustainability and resilience becomes increasingly crucial. We seek the submission contributions investigating the following themes:

  • Innovative business models and their contribution to SDGs and sustainable development;
  • Integrating sustainability into entrepreneurial ventures and small business strategies;
  • The role of technology and innovation in sustainable business development;
  • Circular economy and innovation: strategies and practices;
  • Social entrepreneurship and new hybrid organizations for an inclusive society;
  • Entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable development;
  • Accountability, reporting, and impact assessment in sustainable small businesses;
  • Case studies of successful sustainable entrepreneurship;
  • Policy frameworks and regulations supporting sustainable entrepreneurship.

Submissions should provide novel insights, empirical evidence, and practical implications. We encourage the submission of interdisciplinary approaches that bridge gaps between theory and practice.

Prof. Dr. Paola Demartini
Dr. Selena Aureli
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
  • innovation
  • sustainability
  • sustainable business model
  • circular economy
  • entrepreneurial ecosystems

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 1845 KiB  
Article
The Future of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Youth Perspectives in Greece and Poland
by Marta Czyżewska, Elżbieta Szczygieł, Georgios Tsaples, Dimitra B. Manou and Jason Papathanasiou
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5226; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115226 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 788
Abstract
The article compares the young generation’s perspectives on social and environmental problems in Greece and Poland. We examine the visions of young generation representatives for solving these problems and their role in developing sustainable enterprises. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a k-means [...] Read more.
The article compares the young generation’s perspectives on social and environmental problems in Greece and Poland. We examine the visions of young generation representatives for solving these problems and their role in developing sustainable enterprises. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a k-means clustering algorithm in Python to analyze youth perspectives on sustainable enterprises in both countries. The method offers several benefits, including uncovering unexpected patterns, simplifying the data, and highlighting shared views across both countries. The results show that the youth in Greece and Poland widely support the inclusion of social and environmental considerations into business strategies, and despite some differences in the strengths of opinions, they agree that businesses should integrate sustainability into their mission. However, different clusters reveal varying levels of youth knowledge and awareness. Young people believe that businesses should prioritize sustainability, but acknowledge the difficulty of balancing profits with social and environmental goals. Financial support, specific skills, and experience are necessary for establishing sustainable enterprises. An enabling environment and youth empowerment are critical for promoting youth’s sustainable entrepreneurship. Future research could focus on the enabling factors that impact the willingness of youth to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship and on the ways and tools to provide necessary support. Full article
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26 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
The Role of Circular Economy Entrepreneurship, Cleaner Production, and Green Government Subsidy for Achieving Sustainability Goals in Business Performance
by Ali Mamash, Kolawole Iyiola and Hasan Yousef Aljuhmani
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3990; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093990 - 29 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1194
Abstract
In response to escalating environmental concerns and regulatory demands, this study investigates how circular economy entrepreneurship contributes to sustainability-oriented business performance, with a focus on the mediating role of cleaner production and the moderating role of green government subsidies. Drawing on institutional theory, [...] Read more.
In response to escalating environmental concerns and regulatory demands, this study investigates how circular economy entrepreneurship contributes to sustainability-oriented business performance, with a focus on the mediating role of cleaner production and the moderating role of green government subsidies. Drawing on institutional theory, the research examines how institutional pressures shape firms’ adoption of sustainable practices within the Turkish manufacturing sector. A quantitative design was employed, using stratified random sampling to collect data from 383 firms across various industries. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships. The results reveal that circular economy entrepreneurship positively influences sustainability performance, primarily through the mediating effect of cleaner production practices. Furthermore, green government subsidies strengthen the impact of circular economy entrepreneurship on both cleaner production and sustainability outcomes, underscoring the importance of policy support in enhancing the effectiveness of eco-entrepreneurial initiatives. Practically, this study provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to integrate sustainability into strategic planning, technological investment, and regulatory design. By aligning entrepreneurial innovation with institutional incentives, firms can simultaneously achieve environmental responsibility and long-term competitive advantage. Full article
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15 pages, 218 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Reporting in the Opinion of Managers in Food Companies in Poland
by Marzena Ganc and Tomasz Felczak
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073075 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 797
Abstract
Due mainly to tightened regulatory frameworks and rising stakeholder expectations, sustainability reporting has become essential to corporate governance. This study examines the perceptions of middle and senior management about sustainability reporting and the degree of implementation in Poland’s food industry. One hundred eighteen [...] Read more.
Due mainly to tightened regulatory frameworks and rising stakeholder expectations, sustainability reporting has become essential to corporate governance. This study examines the perceptions of middle and senior management about sustainability reporting and the degree of implementation in Poland’s food industry. One hundred eighteen respondents from 26 food businesses participated in a poll to provide their opinions. This study examines the respondents’ awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks, their understanding of sustainability reporting, and compliance with pertinent standards. The results show that the industry is becoming more conscious of sustainability reporting. However, there are still a lot of differences in how it is interpreted and applied, especially regarding the size of the organization. Compared to smaller companies, managers at larger organizations typically have a deeper understanding of ESG principles and reporting standards. The most commonly cited issues in the field under study are the complexity of reporting frameworks, a lack of knowledge of ESG reporting standards, and a lack of internal resources. Most respondents agree that sustainability reporting is crucial for enhancing a company’s reputation and maintaining long-term competitiveness in the market. This article provides recommendations for expanding educational and training programs that could help increase awareness and develop managerial skills related to sustainability in the food sector. Full article
20 pages, 1123 KiB  
Article
Green Cosmetics—The Effects of Package Design on Consumers’ Willingness-to-Pay and Sustainability Perceptions
by Jens K. Perret, Alicia Gómez Velázquez and Audrey Mehn
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062581 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 4790
Abstract
The cosmetics industry requires a long-term, sustainable vision to reduce its impact on the environment. Within this process, packaging is of critical relevance, as it impacts the ecological footprint of products and determines consumers’ perception of the product as sustainable and green while [...] Read more.
The cosmetics industry requires a long-term, sustainable vision to reduce its impact on the environment. Within this process, packaging is of critical relevance, as it impacts the ecological footprint of products and determines consumers’ perception of the product as sustainable and green while shaping their willingness to purchase the product. This article implements a mixed-methods design to combine theoretical insights with the opinions of experts and the perceptions of consumers. It elicits which packaging elements are the most important in determining consumers’ willingness to pay for green cosmetics and which are the most important regarding their perception of the product being sustainable and green. The results of the conjoint analysis-based study conducted in Germany indicate the predominance of the used materials for packaging over other characteristics (glass +EUR 1, bio-based materials +EUR 0.92, recycled plastic +EUR 0.75 vs. wood as base category). Labels (Veganblume +EUR 0.68, Cruelty-Free +EUR 0.11) and the availability of refill options (+EUR 0.61) score in second place, while coloring (black −EUR 0.2, green −EUR 0.11, brown −EUR 0.13 vs. white as the base category) and QR codes (+EUR 0.13) score last regarding participants’ willingness to purchase the product. The results also reveal a distinct difference between the order of attributes driving the willingness to pay and those driving the perception of the sustainability of a product. Regarding sustainability perception, the relevance of labels and color increases distinctly, while package material remains the dominant attribute. Full article
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25 pages, 374 KiB  
Article
Sustainability-Oriented Equity Crowdfunding: The Role of Proponents, Investors, and Sustainable Development
by Lorenzo Gai, Carmelo Algeri, Federica Ielasi and Maria Manganiello
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2188; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052188 - 3 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
This study investigates the factors influencing the success of sustainability-oriented equity crowdfunding campaigns by analyzing a dataset of 771 campaigns from Italian platforms between 2014 and 2021. The findings indicate that while projects with a sustainability focus tend to achieve better outcomes, their [...] Read more.
This study investigates the factors influencing the success of sustainability-oriented equity crowdfunding campaigns by analyzing a dataset of 771 campaigns from Italian platforms between 2014 and 2021. The findings indicate that while projects with a sustainability focus tend to achieve better outcomes, their success is contingent on variables such as the economic sector of the proposing company and investor concerns regarding misleading claims about environmental, social, and governance practices. Notably, professional investors play a critical role in early-stage financing, initiating information cascades that drive broader investor participation. Furthermore, the COVID-19 crisis appears to have heightened investor interest in sustainability, further solidifying equity crowdfunding as a viable financing tool for ventures with environmental and social objectives. By identifying the key factors that drive the success of sustainability-oriented campaigns, this study offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers seeking to enhance the role of alternative finance in promoting sustainable innovation. Full article
22 pages, 2059 KiB  
Article
Navigating Turbulence to Ensure Sustainability: The Role of Economic Sectors in Shaping Regional Resilience in Greece Amid the Economic Crisis and COVID-19
by Eleni Gaki, Manolis Christofakis and Andreas Gkouzos
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052127 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 911
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of two consecutive economic shocks—the 2009–2018 economic crisis and the 2019–2022 COVID-19 pandemic—on the resilience and recovery of Greece’s 13 NUTS II-level Administrative Regions. Using secondary data on employment per sector from the Greek Statistical Authority and Eurostat, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of two consecutive economic shocks—the 2009–2018 economic crisis and the 2019–2022 COVID-19 pandemic—on the resilience and recovery of Greece’s 13 NUTS II-level Administrative Regions. Using secondary data on employment per sector from the Greek Statistical Authority and Eurostat, resilience is assessed through resistance and recovery indices, complemented by shift-share analysis to identify sectoral and local influences on regional performance. Regions with robust agricultural bases displayed consistent resistance and recovery, while tourism-dependent regions transitioned from high to low resistance during the pandemic. Urban centres like Attiki showed enhanced resilience due to concentrated economic activity and local advantages, forming a high-resistance, fast-recovery cluster. Consequently, regions with local advantages are more resilient in times of crisis. Sectors developing locally due to these advantages strengthen economic resilience, whereas dynamic sectors at the national level relying on external environments are more vulnerable, recovering more slowly and impacting host regions. Strong concentration economies alongside local advantages further bolster resilience. Strengthening local economic structures and diversifying activities are crucial for mitigating disparities. This study underscores the importance of tailored sustainable policies to enhance resilience and ensure long-term regional sustainability. Full article
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24 pages, 470 KiB  
Article
Firms’ Position in the Supply Chain Network, R&D Input, and Innovation Output: Striving for the Top or Settling in the Corner? Implications for Sustainable Growth and Adaptive Capacity
by Le Cheng and Liyuan Wu
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041729 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
This study examines the potential constraints that firms may face when occupying central positions within supply chain networks, particularly in terms of innovation. While prior research highlights the benefits of centrality for resource acquisition and knowledge flow, our findings suggest that such positioning [...] Read more.
This study examines the potential constraints that firms may face when occupying central positions within supply chain networks, particularly in terms of innovation. While prior research highlights the benefits of centrality for resource acquisition and knowledge flow, our findings suggest that such positioning can, under certain conditions, hinder innovation. Using unbalanced panel data from Chinese A-share listed firms in Shanghai and Shenzhen (2009–2021), we conduct an empirical investigation into this effect, incorporating the mediating role of R&D investment and the moderating influence of ownership structure. The analysis reveals that supply chain network centrality has a significantly negative impact on total innovation output, invention patents, and low-end patents, with all effects statistically significant at the 0.001 level. This adverse impact is particularly pronounced in state-owned enterprises, where dependence on established networks further restrains innovation. These results suggest that supply chain centrality may hinder firms’ long-term innovation capacity, which could, in turn, weaken their sustainability by limiting their ability to adapt to technological change and evolving industrial environments. These findings suggest that policymakers could implement targeted incentives, such as R&D subsidies, to mitigate the innovation constraints faced by central firms. Meanwhile, corporate managers should adopt strategies like open innovation and supply chain diversification to sustain long-term innovation. Full article
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19 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Toward Economic Sustainability: Exploring Business Model Innovation in Servitization Transformation Enterprises through Resource Orchestration
by Yiqun Zhang, Hui Wang, Zhongjin Wang, Fei Han, Manzhi Liu and Wentao Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7998; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187998 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1643
Abstract
This paper studies the role of resource orchestration in promoting business model innovation in servitization transformation enterprises to achieve sustainable development. Taking Sany Heavy Industry as the research focus, a three-level evaluation index is constructed to identify the resources and capabilities that have [...] Read more.
This paper studies the role of resource orchestration in promoting business model innovation in servitization transformation enterprises to achieve sustainable development. Taking Sany Heavy Industry as the research focus, a three-level evaluation index is constructed to identify the resources and capabilities that have a key impact in the process. Through the continuous decomposition and integration of resources and capabilities, the resource orchestration behavior of business model innovation in the process of enterprise service transformation is obtained. The research results reveal the strategic evolution from “acquisition–stabilization–mobilization” to “accumulation–enrichment–coordination”, and finally to “accumulation–pioneering–deployment”, which plays an important role in redefining servitization value creation and transforming business model logic. This research helps to understand how resource orchestration promotes business model innovation in the context of servitization transformation to achieve the sustainable development of enterprises. Full article
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