Advancing Sustainable Entrepreneurship through Digital Innovation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Sustainable entrepreneurship, as a vital model for development, seeks to balance environmental, social, and economic objectives. This goal, however, is increasingly influenced by the profound pressures and opportunities of the digital transformation. Addressing this dynamic requires the adoption of innovative digital approaches within sustainable business models and their supporting ecosystems. In this article, we conduct a systematic literature review of 350 papers published from 2014 to 2024 to analyze the significance of digitalization and innovation in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. Bibliometric and thematic analysis techniques were utilized to pinpoint major trends, significant contributors, emerging challenges, and essential research voids. Our findings suggest a swiftly expanding incorporation of digital technologies in the context of sustainable entrepreneurship. The research landscape indicates that central themes focus on innovation, the development of sustainable business models, and their direct effects on environmental and social performance. Our findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that combines technological adoption with entrepreneurial strategy. Different mediating factors, including stakeholder involvement, digital skills, and favorable government policies, were recognized as crucial in improving the effect of digitalization on sustainable results. Our results provide valuable practical insights, steering researchers toward lesser-known domains and equipping policymakers with suggestions for crafting innovation policies that foster the upcoming generation of sustainable enterprises.