Multinational enterprises and sustainable business in emerging markets

Maoliang Bu, Faith Hatani, Dirk Holtbrügge and Ari Van Assche

Journal of International Management, 2025, vol. 31, issue 3

Abstract: As emerging markets (EMs) gain in economic and geopolitical importance, their complex relation with sustainable development has emerged as a key focus of study, presenting both challenges and opportunities for multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in these regions. In this introduction to the special issue, we trace the frontiers of current research on MNEs and sustainable business in EMs and identify new themes. We discuss the triple bottom line of sustainability—economic, social, and environmental dimensions—and examine the pivotal yet conflicting role that MNEs play in promoting sustainable business in EMs. We identify three key characteristics of MNEs that influence their ability to both bridge and widen the sustainability gap in EMs: their role as a Technology Leader, Responsible Leader, and Efficiency Seeker. We use these features of MNEs to deepen the understanding of sustainable business practices in EMs and offer new directions for future research in the evolving landscape of global sustainability.

Keywords: Emerging markets; MNE; Sustainable business; Technology leader; Responsible leader; Efficiency leader (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2025.101254

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