Sustainable Strategy in Entrepreneurship and in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Dear Colleagues,

A sustainable strategy is a long-term plan developed by businesses to align their economic, environmental, and social objectives in order to achieve lasting success. This involves integrating sustainable practices into their business models to ensure long-term continuity while simultaneously protecting the environment and contributing to community well-being. Sustainable strategies encompass three key aspects: environmental protection, social responsibility, and long-term profitability. Businesses that adopt a sustainable strategy are better equipped to respond to regulatory changes, manage environmental and social risks, and build consumer trust.

In recent years, sustainability has become a central element in modern entrepreneurship and the strategic direction of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As the global focus shifts toward environmental responsibility and long-term economic viability, businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to remain competitive and resilient. For SMEs, which form a significant portion of the global economy, integrating sustainability into their business strategies is essential for reducing operational risks, fostering innovation, and ensuring future growth.

A sustainable strategy in entrepreneurship involves balancing profit with social and environmental responsibilities. Entrepreneurs are now embracing green innovations, ethical supply chains, and resource-efficient processes as part of their business models. This approach not only enhances brand reputation but also attracts environmentally conscious consumers and investors who prioritize sustainability. For SMEs, adopting a sustainable strategy can boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and open new markets. Many SMEs are exploring circular economy models, renewable energy solutions, and waste reduction techniques as part of their sustainability agenda. However, challenges such as limited resources, access to green financing, and regulatory pressures often hinder the full adoption of sustainable practices. Despite these barriers, SMEs that align their business goals with the aims of sustainability are better positioned to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market landscape.

This Special Issue aims to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs can adopt and implement sustainable practices in their economic activities to ensure continuity, enhance business performance, promote social well-being, and protect the environment. This involves examining sustainable strategies, resource efficiency, and the environmental and social impact within these organizations. This Issue seeks to include relevant research and case studies from various economic sectors, with a focus on SMEs and entrepreneurs across different industries. The scope of contributions may cover the adoption of green technologies, sustainable innovation, resource management, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the challenges and opportunities SMEs face in transitioning to sustainable practices. Through this Special Issue, the goal is to promote a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in the entrepreneurial environment and for SMEs, offering practical solutions and research directions for improving sustainable performance.

The findings from research conducted in the field of sustainability should inspire new business models, demonstrate long-term benefits, and contribute to policy development that supports the adoption of these practices. This Special Issue will contribute to the existing literature in the following ways: It will provide new insights into how small businesses adopt and implement sustainable strategies, identify challenges, and offer innovative solutions tailored to the needs and constraints of SMEs; it will reveal how entrepreneurs can develop sustainable business models that combine social responsibility with economic performance; it will provide a framework for transitioning towards a more sustainable economy across different industries; it will explore the impact of sustainability regulations on SMEs and how they can adapt; and it will highlight international perspectives and identify the best practices that can be applied by businesses in different regions or countries.

In conclusion, integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship and SME strategies is no longer optional—it is a necessity. This action will provide a competitive advantage, encourage innovation, and ensure long-term viability, while also contributing to a more sustainable global economy.

Dr. Mirela Cătălina Tűrkeş
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• sustainable entrepreneurship
• SME performance
• green innovation
• circular economy
• environmental responsibility
• ethical supply chains
• resource efficiency
• renewable energy
• social responsibility
• green financing
• eco-friendly business models
• sustainable growth
• operational efficiency
• regulatory compliance
• sustainable business practices