Entrepreneurial Skills and Social Sustainability of Digital Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined entrepreneurial skills and the social sustainability of digital enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of innovativeness, risk taking ability, and networking skills on the social sustainability of digital enterprises. The study was motivated by the increasing challenges faced by digital enterprises in sustaining operations, maintaining stakeholder relationships, and contributing meaningfully to community development despite the growing relevance of digital entrepreneurship in the state. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised digital entrepreneurs in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, while a sample size of 368 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula for infinite population. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, Spearman Rank Correlation, and paired sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that innovativeness has a significant positive effect on the social sustainability of digital enterprises with a correlation coefficient of 0.771 and t-value of 5.447. The study also found that risk-taking ability significantly affects social sustainability with a correlation coefficient of 0.639 and t-value of 6.453. Furthermore, networking skills were found to positively influence the social sustainability of digital enterprises. The study concluded that entrepreneurial skills are critical determinants of the sustainability and growth of digital enterprises in Anambra State. The study recommended that digital entrepreneurs should continuously develop innovative capabilities, improve strategic risk-taking practices, and strengthen networking relationships to enhance business sustainability and social impact.