Entrepreneurial Management and Sustainable Development: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

This study develops a comprehensive theoretical framework that explains the relationship between entrepreneurial management and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of innovation capability and the influence of strategic and institutional factors. Drawing on a conceptual research approach, the study integrates insights from entrepreneurship, strategic management, and sustainability literature to address the fragmented nature of existing research in this domain. Entrepreneurial management is conceptualized as a dynamic orientation characterized by proactiveness, innovation, and opportunity recognition, enabling firms to respond effectively to complex environmental and societal challenges. The proposed framework suggests that innovation capability serves as a critical mechanism through which entrepreneurial practices contribute to sustainable development outcomes across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. In addition, strategic orientation is identified as a supporting factor that aligns organizational activities with long-term sustainability goals, while institutional factors act as contextual influences that shape the strength and effectiveness of these relationships. The study advances a set of theoretically grounded propositions that provide a basis for future empirical validation. By offering an integrated perspective, this research contributes to the advancement of theoretical understanding in both entrepreneurship and sustainability fields. The findings also provide practical insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to promote sustainable business practices, particularly in the context of small and medium enterprises and emerging economies.