Sustainability

Research

25 pages, 1845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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26 pages, 1680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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15 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

20 pages, 1123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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25 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

22 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

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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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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24 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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19 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Business Development in a Changing Economic Environment)

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