Mapping the Intersection of Entrepreneurship, Digitalization, and the SDGs: A Scopus-Based Literature Review

Panagiota Xanthopoulou () and Alexandros Sahinidis
Additional contact information
Panagiota Xanthopoulou: Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, 12241 Athens, Greece
Alexandros Sahinidis: Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, 12241 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-25

Abstract: This study examines the dynamic interconnection between entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing the research question in a broader socio-technological context. The research was based on a descriptive review of 22 empirical studies drawn from the Scopus database and related to technological innovations adopted by business initiatives aimed at sustainable development. A total of 314 records were identified, 180 screened, and 22 empirical studies included. Studies originated primarily from Europe and Asia and applied quantitative (60%), qualitative (25%), or mixed methods (15%). Through thematic analysis, the dominant technologies (such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, ERP systems, digital platforms, and ESG data analysis) were identified, as well as the methodological approaches followed in the relevant international literature. The main findings indicate that digital transformation offers significant opportunities to enhance innovation, transparency, and social inclusion. However, challenges also arise, such as digital inequalities, the lack of a strategy for alignment with the SDGs, and institutional weaknesses. In conclusion, the transition to sustainable digital business models requires a multidisciplinary approach, strengthened leadership, educational interventions, and institutional support. This study contributes theoretically and practically to the ongoing scientific dialogue on sustainable and digitally supported entrepreneurship.

Keywords: digital transformation; sustainable development goals (SDGs); digital entrepreneurship; innovation; artificial intelligence; social entrepreneurship; blockchain; literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/18/8420/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/18/8420/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8420-:d:1753411

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().