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Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management
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Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management

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: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 9820

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Asad

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entrepreneurship, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
Interests: entrepreneurship; innovation; big data analytics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the intersection of sustainability and entrepreneurship is more crucial than ever. Thus, our Special Issue on sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, and management delves into how entrepreneurs redefine success in a modern business landscape. The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight groundbreaking approaches where sustainability is not just an add-on but a core business strategy. From the perspective of pioneering innovation in business models that prioritize environmental stewardship, our collection showcases how entrepreneurs tackle global challenges with creativity and resilience.

This Special issue also invites studies on the role of innovative management practices that integrate sustainability into every facet of their business operations. By rethinking traditional approaches and embracing eco-friendly practices, organizations are able to not only achieve long-term success but also contribute positively to the planet. Given this background, we invite you to submit your scholarly work to the existing body of knowledge and provide valuable perspectives on how sustainable entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change.

Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Asad
Guest Editor

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
  • innovation
  • big data analytics
  • entrepreneurial marketing
  • open innovation
  • green product innovation
  • innovation performance

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 719 KiB  
Article
Crisis Management and Customer Adaptation: Pathways to Adaptive Capacity and Resilience in Micro- and Small-Sized Enterprises
by Ali Saleh Alshebami
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3759; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093759 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
Micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) play a key role in developing emerging countries’ economies. However, concerns remain about their resilience and continuity, especially during periods of conflict and crisis. To address this gap, this research explores key factors that enhance adaptive capacity (AC) [...] Read more.
Micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) play a key role in developing emerging countries’ economies. However, concerns remain about their resilience and continuity, especially during periods of conflict and crisis. To address this gap, this research explores key factors that enhance adaptive capacity (AC) and entrepreneurial resilience (ER) amongst MSEs. Data were collected from 301 micro- and small-sized entrepreneurs operating different business activities using an online questionnaire and on-site visits. Partial least squares–structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that crisis management preparedness (CMP) and customer-centric adaptation (CCA) positively and significantly influence AC, which, in turn, positively affects ER. In addition, CMP and CCA directly influence ER. Moreover, AC partially mediates the relationship between CMP, CCA, and ER. This study offers significant practical and theoretical implications for policymakers in making strategic action plans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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17 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Green Product Innovation as a Mediator Between Green Market Orientation and Sustainable Performance of SMEs
by Mohammed Ali Bait Ali Sulaiman
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1628; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041628 - 15 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 946
Abstract
This study looks at how green market orientation affects green product innovation and the sustainable performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of an emerging market. Therefore, the objective of the study is to analyze the mediating role of green product innovation between [...] Read more.
This study looks at how green market orientation affects green product innovation and the sustainable performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of an emerging market. Therefore, the objective of the study is to analyze the mediating role of green product innovation between green market orientation and the sustainable performance of SMEs. It also looks at how green product innovation can operate as a mediator in the relation between green market orientation and the sustainable performance of manufacturing SMEs. The data from 324 Omani manufacturing sector SMEs were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The findings indicate that green market orientation has a direct impact on the sustainable performance of manufacturing SMEs. Furthermore, the findings suggest that green market orientation has an indirect impact on the sustainable performance of manufacturing SMEs through green product innovation, which confirms the mediating effect. Manufacturing SMEs accept responsibility for continuously improving the safety and health of their employees while focusing on innovation in new green products. This empirical study, which was examined in the context of Oman’s developing market economy, is unique as it highlights the significant mediating influence of green product innovation on the sustainable performance of manufacturing SMEs. This study complements earlier studies that have mostly been carried out in industrialized (Western) economies. Practically speaking, this study emphasizes for SMEs the importance of consistently experimenting with new concepts for sustainable innovation and a competitive edge in a tough business environment. Future research directions are also provided. Therefore, the findings recommend that the owners and managers of the manufacturing sector’s SMEs should invest in green product innovation to promote sustainable performance in accordance with green market orientation concepts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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24 pages, 774 KiB  
Article
The Nexus of Sustainability Innovation, Knowledge Application, and Entrepreneurial Success: Exploring the Role of Environmental Awareness
by Wessam Krara, Ahmad Alzubi, Amir Khadem and Kolawole Iyiola
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020716 - 17 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal in driving economic growth and sustainability, necessitating a strategic focus on innovation and knowledge application to navigate dynamic markets effectively. Grounded in the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Knowledge-Based View (KBV) theories, this study investigates the [...] Read more.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal in driving economic growth and sustainability, necessitating a strategic focus on innovation and knowledge application to navigate dynamic markets effectively. Grounded in the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Knowledge-Based View (KBV) theories, this study investigates the interplay between sustainability innovation, knowledge application, environmental awareness, and entrepreneurial success among SMEs in Turkey. The research adopts a cross-sectional design, using purposive sampling to survey 402 SME owners and managers from Istanbul and Ankara. Data were collected via electronic surveys and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS to validate the measurement model and test hypotheses through the PROCESS macro for mediation and moderated mediation analysis. The findings reveal that sustainability innovation significantly enhances entrepreneurial success by allowing businesses to develop products and services that address environmental and social concerns. Essentially, by integrating sustainability innovation, entrepreneurs create a growing market demand for eco-conscious solutions. Moreover, knowledge application positively influences entrepreneurial success and mediates the relationship between sustainability innovation and entrepreneurial success. Environmental awareness moderates this mediation, with the indirect effect being stronger for SMEs with higher environmental awareness. These results underscore the critical role of integrating sustainability and knowledge-driven strategies in achieving entrepreneurial success. Practical implications include fostering eco-innovation, enhancing knowledge-sharing practices, and promoting environmental awareness to achieve sustainable business growth and competitiveness in resource-constrained environments. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to support sustainable entrepreneurship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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19 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Financial Asset Allocation on Firms’ Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from China’s Non-Financial Companies
by Bo Song, Xiandong Yang and Yao Xu
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010096 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1177
Abstract
As a core business strategy, sustainability has become increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving world. The improvement of a firm’s total factor productivity (TFP) is necessary for the realization of sustainable development. The wide variation in the types and sizes of China’s firms [...] Read more.
As a core business strategy, sustainability has become increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving world. The improvement of a firm’s total factor productivity (TFP) is necessary for the realization of sustainable development. The wide variation in the types and sizes of China’s firms can reflect the differences in financial capital allocation among firms. In addition, as the second largest economy in the world, China has a large number of firm data to be examined. Based on this, this paper selects China’s A-share non-financial listed companies from 2010 to 2023 as research samples to empirically test the impact of financial asset allocation on the TFP of firms. It is found that excessive financialization negatively affects both TFP and innovation, but that innovation can increase TFP, thus weakening the negative impact of financialization on TFP. Therefore, to enhance the productivity of firms and reach the sustainability of development, firms should invest more in innovation and reduce the level of financialization. By emphasizing innovation, firms can promote the application of green technologies and the production of green products, and achieve win–win economic and social benefits while protecting the environment, and sustainability can be realized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
19 pages, 973 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Mediating and Moderating Roles of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions on Business Performance in Chinese SMEs
by Rana Salman Anwar, Shanayyara Mahmood, Muhammad Ramzan, Hina Adeeb, Alsadig Ahmed, Valentin Marian Antohi, Costinela Fortea, Monica Laura Zlati, Alina Meca and Laurentiu Nicolae Pricope
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010076 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Purpose: This research aims to explore the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship mediates this relationship and examines the moderating roles of behavioral intention and environmental sustainability orientation. [...] Read more.
Purpose: This research aims to explore the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship mediates this relationship and examines the moderating roles of behavioral intention and environmental sustainability orientation. Method: The study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data from 239 employees working across various SMEs in China through a structured survey. The measurement scales were adopted from established research to ensure reliability and validity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using Stata-SEM for data analysis, allowing for a comprehensive examination of direct, indirect, and moderating effects. Findings: The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurial intentions significantly influence business performance, with sustainable entrepreneurship serving as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Behavioral intentions and environmental sustainability orientation were found to significantly moderate the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability practices and personal commitment into business strategies. Originality/Implications: This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship by providing empirical evidence on the mediating and moderating effects within SMEs. It offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers to enhance business performance through strategic sustainability efforts. The study also suggests avenues for future research to further explore these dynamics across different contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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16 pages, 502 KiB  
Article
The Role of Marketing Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Sustainable Financial Performance of Medium-Sized Enterprises Through Customer Engagement and Data-Driven Decision-Making
by Ihab K. Magableh, Maher H. Mahrouq, Mohammad A. Ta’Amnha and Hosam Alden Riyadh
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11279; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411279 - 23 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2511
Abstract
This study aims to examine the impact of marketing artificial intelligence (AI) and the specific channels it uses to influence the performance of Jordanian SMEs. In contrast to prior research that focused solely on the direct effects of marketing AI on organizational performance, [...] Read more.
This study aims to examine the impact of marketing artificial intelligence (AI) and the specific channels it uses to influence the performance of Jordanian SMEs. In contrast to prior research that focused solely on the direct effects of marketing AI on organizational performance, our study introduces innovative pathways involving customer engagement, customer satisfaction, and data-driven decision-making. These channels serve as indirect mechanisms through which the impact of marketing AI extends to influence the Sustainable Financial Performance of SMEs. Using a framework for structural equation modeling, we looked at the answers of 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) chosen through cluster sampling from industrially active areas in Jordan. Our findings reveal that the adoption of AI technologies leads to a notable 42.5% enhancement in Sustainable Financial Performance among SMEs, driven by a 50% increase in customer engagement and a 76% improvement through data-driven decision-making processes. While our study did not establish a direct correlation between marketing AI and long-term financial performance, it demonstrated the connection between technology adoption, customer-focused strategies, and data-driven practices. The findings offer actionable insights and recommendations for Jordanian SMEs leveraging marketing AI to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable growth. The study offers significant contributions to how marketing AI improves the Sustainable Financial Performance of Jordanian SMEs by identifying crucial indirect pathways. Unlike previous studies, it focuses on the roles of customer engagement, satisfaction, and data-driven decision-making as mediators rather than emphasizing direct impacts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating technology with customer-centric and data-oriented strategies to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in SMEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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23 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Impact of Environmental Management on Sustainable Performance of Pakistani Entrepreneurial Firms: The Mediating Role of Green Product Innovation and the Moderating Effect of Transformational Leadership
by Muzaffar Asad
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410935 - 13 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
The relationship between environmental management and firm performance is evident but not conclusive because of the diversified findings of existing studies that have been conducted in different contextual settings. This study separates environmental management into two dimensions—environmental management depth and environmental management breadth—based [...] Read more.
The relationship between environmental management and firm performance is evident but not conclusive because of the diversified findings of existing studies that have been conducted in different contextual settings. This study separates environmental management into two dimensions—environmental management depth and environmental management breadth—based on the number of environmental management techniques used by entrepreneurial firms and the level of integration of environmental management with other functions. The framework was created with the theoretical backing of the resource-based perspective. Structural equation modeling was utilized to evaluate the assumptions on a sample of 384 entrepreneurial Pakistani firms. The findings demonstrate a direct relationship between environmental management and the long-term viability of entrepreneurial firms. Furthermore, the relationship between environmental management depth and environmental management breadth and the sustainable performance of entrepreneurial firms is mediated by green product innovation. Furthermore, transformative leadership attenuates the effects of both environmental management depth and environmental management breadth on the long-term viability of entrepreneurial firms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)
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