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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: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 31877

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Daniel Arias Aranda

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Guest Editor

Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Labour Relations & Human Resources, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: sustainability; sustainable development; innovation management; operations management; strategic management; simulation; humanitarian disasters

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability has become a crucial issue for entrepreneurial developments worldwide. Global warming is considered to be the main cause of humanitarian disasters of different levels, ranging from multiple diseases caused by pollution through to pandemics. Hence, there is a clear and urgent need to create innovation frameworks for entrepreneurship in sustainability. The need for innovation if often driven by the increasing need for agility in business and institutional structures, and this, in turn, is driven by the increasing speed of change in market trends. This is where Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a fundamental role. This Special Issue intends to cover new approaches, techniques, and practices leading to significant advances in these and related areas. All of them consider different typologies of sustainable entrepreneurship that meet societal goals to innovate in different market contexts. The papers selected for this Special Issue will undergo a rigorous peer review process with the aim of disseminating research results, progress and applications quickly and widely.

Prof. Dr. Daniel Arias Aranda
Guest Editor

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Keywords

innovation management
entrepreneurship
environmental sustainability
economical sustainability
social sustainability
humanitarian disasters
agility
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
business models
clean technologies

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Stages of the Fablab Movement: A New Path for an Open Innovation Model

by María-Elena García-Ruiz, Francisco-Javier Lena-Acebo and Rocío Rocha Blanco

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8907; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15118907 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 1206

Abstract

FabLabs, also known as digital fabrication laboratories, are a groundbreaking phenomenon that is contributing to the democratization of innovation and technology. Despite their potential influence, this emerging area has received little attention in the literature. This paper examines the initial stages of the FabLab movement using a mixed-sequential exploratory methodology. Qualitative methodologies were employed to identify relevant dimensions and establish research hypotheses, while quantitative methodologies were used to evaluate and validate these hypotheses and generate a predictive model for the innovation process through binary logistic regression. The information obtained through the participation of 124 laboratories in the online FabLab Global Survey was used. The results indicate that collaborations with large companies and a majority focus on research in FabLab projects promote the development of innovative projects compared to those laboratories affiliated with educational institutions or primarily used by students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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18 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Innovation Quality on the Growth Performance of Entrepreneurial Enterprises: The Role of Knowledge Capital

by Hanfang Chu, Hanxin Wang and Zhaoyun Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8207; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15108207 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1106

Abstract

In the context of the continuous growth of the digital economy, the steady and sustainable development and growth of enterprises are increasingly dependent on the quality of innovation and knowledge capital. Based on the resource-based view and from the perspective of knowledge capital, this paper takes the knowledge capital index composed of human resource capital, innovation and R&D capability capital, innovation facility capital and relational capital as the intermediary variable and explores the mechanism of the influence of innovation quality on the growth performance of entrepreneurial enterprises from the enterprise level. Taking computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing enterprises listed on GEM from 2017 to 2021 as the research object, this paper uses hierarchical regression and Bootstrap methods to explore the specific path of the impact of innovation quality on the growth performance of entrepreneurial enterprises and conducts an empirical analysis and robust analysis. This research shows that the innovative quality of entrepreneurial enterprises can significantly promote growth performance, and knowledge capital plays an intermediary role in it. The conclusion of this paper provides theoretical support for this kind of enterprise to improve the quality of innovation and make good use of knowledge capital and provides an empirical basis and reference for their sustainable and stable growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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14 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Automated Situational Awareness Reporting for Disaster Management—A Case Study

by Klaus Schwarz, Daniel Arias Aranda and Michael Hartmann

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7968; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15107968 - 13 May 2023

Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Disasters do not follow a predictable timetable. Rapid situational awareness is essential for disaster management. People witnessing a disaster in the same area and beyond often use social media to report, inform, summarize, update, or warn each other. These warnings and recommendations are faster than traditional news and mainstream media. However, due to the massive amount of raw and unfiltered information, the data cannot be managed by humans in time. Automated situational awareness reporting could significantly and sustainably improve disaster management and save lives by quickly filtering, detecting, and summarizing important information. In this work, we aim to provide a novel approach towards automated situational awareness reporting using microblogging data through event detection and summarization. Therefore, we combine an event detection algorithm with different summarization libraries. We test the proposed approach against data from the Russo-Ukrainian war to evaluate its real-time capabilities and determine how many of the events that occurred could be highlighted. The results reveal that the proposed approach can outline significant events. Further research can be carried out to improve short-text summarization and filtering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nexus between Managerial Overconfidence, Corporate Innovation, and Institutional Effectiveness

by Ningrui Wen, Muhammad Usman and Ahsan Akbar

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6524; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15086524 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1813

Abstract

Innovative projects are considered risky and challenging, and specific managerial traits (such as managerial overconfidence) are needed to gain momentum. Moreover, corporate innovations are also crucial for sustainable development through the creation of more efficient, ecofriendly, and socially responsible products, processes, and business models. Therefore, the present study adds to the existing literature by examining (a) how managerial overconfidence influences firm-level innovation, (b) whether the strength of the relationship between managerial overconfidence and corporate innovation is a moderator of institutional effectiveness, and (c) whether these relationships are evident, particularly in developing contexts. We employed firm-level data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey to test such contentions and developed unique proxies for managerial overconfidence and corporate innovation. The timeframe of the study ranged from 2014 to 2017. This study is unique, as we have used a large dataset and various novel proxy measures to quantify managerial overconfidence and corporate innovation. Utilizing probit and ordered probit regression with year-fixed effect models, our robust results reveal that a firm’s innovativeness is significantly associated with managerial overconfidence. As the mother of all psychological biases, overconfidence is the most ubiquitous, with many features influencing human judgment. The findings imply that hiring managers with confident personalities or encouraging existing managers to become bold in their decision-making may increase firm-level innovation in developing countries. Moreover, the strength of the relationship between managerial overconfidence and corporate innovation is moderated by institutional effectiveness. These findings suggest that institutions play a crucial role in escalating managerial confidence and innovation by connecting and understanding the flow of knowledge, risk taking, and investing activities. Corporations can be critical in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development by incorporating sustainable principles into their innovation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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28 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Innovation into Business Strategy: Perspectives from Innovation Managers

by Daniel López and Miquel Oliver

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6503; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15086503 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4151

Abstract

This article presents the results of a literature review and the preliminary results of interviews with directors and innovation managers of large companies on the importance of innovation in business strategy, innovation strategy, and the factors they consider when choosing their strategy. Therefore, the study determines nine statements. There is no global consensus on the definition of innovation, which could affect its relevance in business. This contributes to the fact that the innovation department is not integrated as the main lever of the core business. A business strategy needs innovation, and a business innovation needs its own strategy. In fact, it is positive to incorporate the innovation strategy into the business strategy to improve productivity, performance, and sustainability. The innovation strategy is framed in a multidimensional way, and the innovation strategies are oriented to the offering, efficiency, and business plan. In turn, there are factors (internal and external) that affect or influence the decision of companies when deciding on an innovation strategy. It is also concluded that it is reasonable to consider that we can use the business strategy methodology to determine the innovation strategy. Future research could delve into how to establish a framework that defines the innovation strategy methodology with a unified approach where the main strategies and their components are revealed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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20 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Female Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions through an Entrepreneurial Mindset and Motives

by Nadia Abdelhamid Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed and Abdulrahman Alshaikhmubarak

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6210; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15076210 - 04 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) on entrepreneurial mindset (EM), entrepreneurial intention (EI), and entrepreneurial motives (EMTs) among female Saudi Arabian university students. We applied a quantitative approach and collected the data through a survey questionnaire by using convenience sampling to trace the respondents. Finally, the results of this study were based on 388 samples. By using a structural equation model (SEM), the findings demonstrate that ECs have positive and significant effects on EM, EI, and EMTs. In addition, there are positive and significant relationships between EM and EI as well as between EMTs and EI. Finally, EM and EMTs mediate the connection between ECs and EI. The findings of this study could support policymakers at different levels in developing their financial models, plans, and suggestions for entrepreneurial development. In addition, the findings should inspire well motivated people to engage in entrepreneurial activities and to aspire to become entrepreneurs. Finally, the originality and value of this research contribute to the existing literature, by demonstrating among Saudi Arabian female university students, the effects of ECs on EM, EI, and EMTs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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19 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Social Resources Perspective of Employee Innovative Behavior and Outcomes: A Moderated Mediation Model

by Li Li, Xinwen Bai and Yiyong Zhou

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2669; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15032669 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1845

Abstract

Employee innovation is becoming increasingly important when organizations strive for sustainable competitive advantage. Different from previous research on employee innovation and relational/structural perspectives of social networks, the present study is the first attempt to empirically examine how social resources per se influence employee innovation. Drawing on social-resources theory, this study proposes that social resources for innovation boost employee innovation, which is strengthened by supervisor support. By conducting a field survey on 154 employees in a high-tech company and collecting the archival data of their innovative outputs, we found that employees who can access and mobilize more social resources demonstrate more innovative behavior and subsequently achieve better outputs, such as patents and invention disclosures. Supervisor support amplifies social resources’ effects on employee innovative behavior and innovative outcomes. This study contributes to the literature on social networks and employee innovation by introducing a new theoretical perspective. Practically, it also adds new insights to boost innovation performance from a social-resources approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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18 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of University Education Support on Entrepreneurship Orientation and Entrepreneurship Intention: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior

by Meqbel M. Aliedan, Ibrahim A. Elshaer, Mansour A. Alyahya and Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13097; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142013097 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

This study examined the impact of university education support on entrepreneurial intention among higher education students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study adopts the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the theoretical foundation and examines the effect of constructs of TPB as mediating variables between university education support and entrepreneurial intention. The study adopted a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey directed to senior students at King Faisal University (KFU). The results of SEM “structural equation modeling” with AMOS software showed that university education support has a significant positive direct impact on entrepreneurial intention. It also has significant positive and indirect effects through the three constructs of TPB, which were found to have a significant impact on entrepreneurial intention among higher education students. This research result sends several important messages to higher education policymakers in relation to the promotion of entrepreneurship intention among higher education students. The results also have some theoretical implications for scholars, which are also discussed in the study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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15 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Internal Marketing Practices on Employees’ Job Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Saudi Arabian Banking Sector

by Faisal Mohammed O. Almaslukh, Haliyana Khalid and Alaa Mahdi Sahi

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14159301 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3524

Abstract

Based on the social exchange theory, the current study aimed to develop and test a conceptual model that integrates the relationships among internal marketing dimensions (i.e., supportive and participative leadership, training and development, information and communication, and selection and appointment) and job satisfaction in the banking sector of Saudi Arabia, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from 329 employees working in different private and public banks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Overall, the findings confirmed the significant and positive effects of supportive and participative leadership, training and development, information and communication, and selection and appointment on employees’ job satisfaction. The current research contributes to the understanding of the broad role played by internal marketing practices in maintaining the job satisfaction of banking sector employees, during and possibly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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20 pages, 1260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Personal Values and Attitude toward Sustainable Entrepreneurship on Entrepreneurial Intention to Enhance Sustainable Development: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan

by Nosheena Yasir, Ruyu Xie and Junrui Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6792; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14116792 - 01 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3642

Abstract

Sustainable entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and action are strongly linked to a person’s desire to succeed. Therefore, entrepreneurial intentions are increasingly being studied from a sustainable development viewpoint. By integrating the theory of human values into the theory of planned behavior, the goal of this study was to investigate how values interact with sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. In all, 465 graduate students from Punjab, Pakistan, were interviewed for this study. The findings reveal that students’ entrepreneurial intentions are supported by views toward sustainable entrepreneurship, societal norms, and perceived behavioral control. According to structural equation modeling, self-transcendence and self-enhancement are the personal values that directly or indirectly interact with sustainable entrepreneurial intentions, which is consistent with the findings of the present study. Accordingly, the TPB model may help identify the relationship between sustainable entrepreneurship values and aims and the role of personal values in terms of understanding sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. As a practical implication, according to this study, it is essential to emphasize the importance of personal values in the education of potential entrepreneurs to increase their sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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18 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SMEs Performance in Malaysia: The Role of Contextual Ambidexterity in Innovation Culture and Performance

by Mohamad Rohieszan Ramdan, Nurul Ashykin Abd Aziz, Nor Liza Abdullah, Norsamsinar Samsudin, Gurcharanjit Singh Veer Singh, Thuraiya Zakaria, Nursyazwani Mohd Fuzi and Sharon Yong Yee Ong

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1679; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031679 - 01 Feb 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5312

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the industrial and service sectors have been identified as the drivers of Malaysia’s fast economic growth. However, SMEs are faced with an inherent issue of lack of resources and capabilities which constrains the ability of SMEs to improve performance. Due to this, it is critical for SMEs to understand and develop an important capability that supports them in facing a dynamic and competitive business environment. This study examines the mediating role of contextual ambidexterity as a dynamic capability in the relationship between innovation culture and SME performance. The online surveys were carried out starting from 5th July until 25th July 2021. A total of 277 SMEs in Selangor, Malaysia participated in this study and Covariance-Based Structural Equation modeling analysis was utilized to test the hypotheses. The findings show that in terms of direct relationships, innovation culture has a significant positive relationship with contextual ambidexterity, while innovation culture and contextual ambidexterity have a significant positive relationship with SME performance. The findings showed that contextual ambidexterity is significant as a mediator in the relationship between innovation culture and SME performance. This study makes an important contribution to the management field by highlighting the role of contextual ambidexterity, which is often the focus of large companies. These findings support the notion of dynamic capability that accentuates the importance of developing capabilities in dealing with dynamic and challenging situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sustainability)

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