This research aimed to create more knowledge and understanding of the opportunity recognition process for sustainable entrepreneurs in Nordic countries. By validating the two factors proposed by Patzelt and Shepherd’s (2011) model, prior knowledge and motivation, and examining the role of new factors such as networks, co-founders’ knowledge, and regulations, the authors contributed to a better understanding of how sustainable opportunity recognition works in practice. The findings show that a combination of different types of prior knowledge and altruistic motivations towards the environment plays an essential part in this process. Moreover, networks are a crucial factor in providing entrepreneurs with access to new knowledge and information that can lead to higher changes in sustainable opportunity recognition. Besides adding the factor of networks, this study identified other important factors, such as co-founders’ knowledge and regulations. By considering these factors, it is possible to understand better the sustainable opportunity recognition process of entrepreneurs.

Sustainability and sustainable development are concerned as major topics in the current business and academic context. Although business entities are seen as a cause of the problem, they are similarly seen as a solution helping the world to survive from this enormous challenge. The current academic literature underlines the role of sustainable entrepreneurship as a decisive force, which helps to transform the profit-oriented paradigm into the “new industrial revolution”. In this context the motivating factors and their interactions behind the sustainable entrepreneurship are further unclear, which has lead to the following research questions: (1)  What entrepreneurial motivations in Finland affect entrepreneur’s decision to form and exploit sustainability-oriented opportunities? (2)  What institutional motivations in Finland affect entrepreneur’s decision to form and exploit sustainability-oriented opportunities? (3)  What are the interactions between entrepreneurial and institutional motivations affecting entrepreneur’s decision to form and exploit sustainability-oriented opportunities in Finland? The theoretical framework was constructed with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial processes and opportunity theories. The main deviation from the conventional entrepreneurship towards the sustainable entrepreneurship was drawn through the wider nature of value creation in terms of triple bottom line approach. In addition the main motivational concepts were mirrored through the entrepreneurial motivations literature and the institutional theory, which provided effective theoretical lenses for the purpose of the empirical study.  The empirical study was conducted in Finland as a multiple case study with an exploratory research approach. The data was collected from sustainability-driven entrepreneurs and experts who had personal knowledge related to the phenomenon. More practical data collection methods were semi-structured interviews and questionnaires concerning entrepreneurial motivations. These selected methodological choices enabled accumulation of a rich set of data and provided further possibilities for fruitful data analysis.  The study indicated that human motivations related to the conventional entrepreneurship research are feasible in enhancing sustainable entrepreneurship. In the similar vein entrepreneurial motivations concerning self-realization, opportunities, personal values and prior experience have motivational effects on the sustainability-driven entrepreneur. Institutional motivations towards sustainable entrepreneurship are influential for the sustainability-oriented opportunity process. The analysis indicated that for example governmental incentives, consumption norms and social networks are motivating factors for sustainability-driven entrepreneurs. Finally the study indicated that both motivational sources have co-evolutive interactions throughout the process, but the intensity of these interactions similarly varied.

Sustainability and sustainable development is slowly gathering momentum in public discourse, and greater attention and reverence in academic research. While there still appears to be no consensus defining sustainability, which has lead to hampered discussion, this should not impede nor hinder a greater call for dialogue of how to ultimately change the world, and for the global economy to consider what type of individual will address environmental and social issues simultaneously. We consider ‘traditional’ entrepreneurship still necessary and vital to the continuing development of disruptive innovation and market change, however, a new breed of entrepreneur must now achieve greater focus. A sustainable shift in societies development is required to guarantee a capacity to endure. Sustainable development is critical to not only the environments long-term well-being, but also a necessity to curve the ultimate slow demise of the human race. Economic responsibly toward the environment and society is imperative. Sustainable development meets at the confluence of three constituent parts - environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and socio-political sustainability, the foundations to an emerging new field of entrepreneurship - Sustainable Entrepreneurship.Sustainable Entrepreneurs enact a holistic approach to a venture start-up that embeds environmental, economic and social sustainability dimensions. Sustainable Entrepreneurs have received insufficient attention by the media, policy makers and have failed to grab the attention of academics to test theory in an exploratory cross-case analysis approach. Previous research has mainly been conceptual and theoretical. Literature is lacking practical insights into how entrepreneurs conduct sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives and whether such definitions hold true. A cross-case analysis of five entrepreneurs operating in the renewable energy industry is conducted, evaluating theory against real life. We fill this gap by conducting exploratory research in Sustainable Entrepreneurship, identifying the entrepreneurs motivations to start-up their unique venture, challenges faced throughout the venture development process and their impact within their defined market. It is evident throughout the five case studies all our entrepreneurs have encountered some sort of antecedent exposure to an environmental concern; leading to our belief that prior exposure to a sustainability related market failure has resulted in these entrepreneurs to pursue their business initiative. Leading from this analysis, it is evident Sustainable Entrepreneurs are highly motivated to solve environmental and/ or social related problems (sustainability-related market failures). Customer perceptions and unawareness for alternative sustainable products remain a considerable challenge. It is proposed that patents, cooperating with educational institutions, establishment of an international network and organisational culture, are all important practices that assist in the business development.

Environmental entrepreneurs are considered to be important drivers for an environmentally sustainable development. As other entrepreneurs, they face survival challenges while operating their businesses. Due to the increased importance of environmental entrepreneurs in counteracting environmental issues we argue that it is necessary to gain an understanding of their specific challenges of survival. In this thesis, we build theory based on environmental venture cases located in Sweden. We provide an extensive overview of the current literature and contribute by identifying an institutional dimension being of high relevance in this field. Our findings are of particular interest for policy makers, public institutions, environmental entrepreneurs and their advisors. Additionally, we provide further necessary access to this relatively new research field and suggest future research directions.

This study sheds light on sustainable social entrepreneurship by investigating the main motivators of rural entrepreneurs to start and continue in their businesses beyond financial gain. In this paper, case study design with local entrepreneurs and organizations from two different countries: Sweden and Palestine, was used as the unit of analysis. In order to unleash more creativity, the author adopted iterative abductive thinking, which allows the researcher to go back and forth between theories and empirical data.  Systematic review approach in reviewing the literature was used as the research purpose and questions are clearly defined in the research. Guided and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect empirical data. "Initial coding" was used for data analysis, allowing the author to identify themes and thus perform complete research.  Rural entrepreneurs' motivations are heavily focused on achieving sustainable development. Sustainable entrepreneurs recognize the significance of creating businesses that are good for the environment and benefit their communities. While financial gain is still one of the most important factors they seek when starting businesses in order to survive and continue to achieve social and environmental benefits, the extent varies depending on several factors such as the entrepreneur's level of involvement in entrepreneurship, their backgrounds, resources availability, policies, and support. The journey is still full of challenges and difficulties, and much support from government agencies and communities is required. However, there is a growing awareness among these parties about the significance of understanding and supporting rural entrepreneurs on their path.

This paper explores the Renewable Energy in Bangladesh and identifies the current challenges for renewable energy entrepreneurs to develop sustainable and reliable energy generation prospects across the country. Theoretical frameworks are developed through the concepts of industry, society, and government and value creation. Purpose- The purpose of this study is to identify the existing challenges of renewable energy entrepreneurs in Bangladesh and realize how based on these challenges there can be value created across renewable energy industry. Literature review- The literature review includes different concepts that are crucial when determining the current challenges that entrepreneurs face in renewable energy industry. Those include local and community perspective, industry related aspects like technology, innovation, and governmental matters. Based on the literature review theoretical concepts were created. Methodology- Interpretivism and inductive approach was used in the form of qualitative research design. Two forms of empirical material are used- survey with local people from Kutubdia region and semi structured interviews with 3 entrepreneurs. Surveys were conducted through Google Forms and interviews through online face to face meetings. Thematic Analysis were used to identify the reoccurring patterns. Findings- Main challenges can be divided into community, industry challenges and institutional inefficiencies. Societal challenges are related to lack of education, knowledge, job creation and trust. Industry related challenges are in the form of weak infrastructure, lack of suitable workforce, slow innovation, and access to R&D. Governmental challenges are connected to lack of financing and investing possibilities, high corruption, lack of well- structured policies and tax initiatives. Based on identification of challenges it is possible to set up framework for value creation across the industry.

This study compares the sustainable entrepreneurial objectives of business students in Sweden and Pakistan. The study investigates the effect of action planning, action knowledge, cultural values, educational systems, availability of resources, and business environment on entrepreneurship intention using action regulation theory. Beginning with a literature review on sustainable entrepreneurship and business student objectives, the investigation is then conducted. The section then compares the effects of action regulation theory and action planning on sustainable entrepreneurial objectives in industrialized and developing countries. Knowledge availability and acquisition influence the entrepreneurial inclinations of business pupils in these nations. The study also investigates how cultural values, educational systems, and organizational contexts influence action planning, action knowledge, action planning, and entrepreneurial sustainability aspirations in developed and developing countries. Determine how contextual factors influence the entrepreneurial aspirations of business students. Despite these disparities, both Swedish and Pakistani business students value sustainable entrepreneurship. Business students in Sweden have greater access to specialized resources, support networks, and government initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship and action planning. Despite resource, infrastructure, and educational constraints, Pakistani business students comprehend sustainability and wish to incorporate it into their operations. According to the study, resources, and assistance influence sustainable entrepreneurship action planning, knowledge, and intentions. Students in Sweden enjoy the advantages of well- developed programs, specialized curriculum, mentoring, and networking. Students in Pakistan develop business proposals utilizing personal networks, self-directed studies, and online resources. Both countries' entrepreneurial proclivities are influenced by risk-taking and self- assurance. To become viable entrepreneurial endeavors, these aspirations require resources, action planning, and action competence. According to the research, support networks, government regulations, technology, education, money, and resources influence the entrepreneurial tendencies of business students in affluent and developing nations. It also emphasizes the need to address resource, educational, and support system gaps in both contexts to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, economic development, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. This study sheds light on the entrepreneurial aspirations of business students in developed and developing countries, as well as the contextual factors that influence them.

Yes / In recent years, there has been significant attention given to stakeholder management, which involves the intricate interaction between organisations and individuals, as well as diverse groups that can significantly affect or shape an organisation's decisions. While progress has been made, African countries are seen as the next promising frontier for progress and advancement. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of understanding of this concept, as the continent is undergoing remarkable economic growth. Entrepreneurs operating in such environments face intricate landscapes when it comes to stakeholder management. Consequently, understanding how stakeholders contribute to the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in Africa is crucial to promote sustainable and responsible business practices. This chapter presents insights that can stimulate future research on stakeholder management within the intricate and diverse African setting. The chapter conceptualises the relationship between stakeholders and entrepreneurship in Africa and shows how entrepreneurial firms navigate the challenges associated with weak institutional environments. / The full-text of this book chapter will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 7 Jun 2025.

With the in-depth advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), governments and relevant policy makers are taking steps to meet the SDG goals. Sustainable entrepreneurship requires a large degree of participation from the entrepreneurial sector in the destination, and these entrepreneurs in sustainable destinations are expected to have more sense of responsibility, and their entrepreneurial activities are expected to be more sustainable, ie altruistic. This is consistent with the dualistic entrepreneurial motivation model. Is the entrepreneurial motivation of entrepreneurs in sustainable destinations more altruistic? This is unknown because entrepreneurial motivation in the context of a particular sustainable destination has not received much attention. This study examines the factors driving entrepreneurial initiatives in sustainable destinations. For answering research question, this study conducted a statistical analysis of the collected data by conducting a questionnaire survey of 131 entrepreneurs from sustainable destinations. Based on the impact of motivation on action, the conclusions of this study confirm that the entrepreneurial motivations in sustainable destinations are moving towards sustainable entrepreneurs, that is, they not only consider their own interests, but also take into account the interests of others. The significance of this research is to provide a direction for decision makers within sustainable destinations, or international, sustainable development missions, to understand the practical drivers of their policies related to sustainable development and sustainable entrepreneurship. In addition, the study also discusses the inadequacies of current sustainable entrepreneurship as demonstrated by the results of data analysis.

The human kind is at risk as severe problems, such as poverty or climate change, escalate. At the root of these problems is the organization of human (economic) activity and sustainability, a simple and attracting concept that hides an ideological battle among three discourses, is pointed out as the solution. The result of this battle will dictate if we will deal with those problems by keeping all the same (market discourse), by reforming the actual system (weak sustainability discourse) or by transforming it radically (strong sustainability discourse). Sustainable entrepreneurs, as an important source of innovation, can provide cues to what kind of change we will have. Given the non-existence of previous research on the topic two research questions were defined that try to i) understand how much of the discourse of the sustainable entrepreneurs is based upon our current way of thinking and ii) identify what social mechanisms can be conditioning such discourse. Taking a critical realism stance, and understanding the tentative nature of the research, a retroductive process is used to obtain qualitative knowledge, in a cross-sectional study. Drawing from the theoretical areas of sustainability discourse, sustainable entrepreneurship, discourse and social structure a conceptual map as well as framework of reference are defined, that highlight the existence of sustainable entrepreneurs inside the social structure as well as the ways how the social structure can condition that discourse. Looking at the views of eleven sustainable entrepreneurs, collected during interviews and analysed through critical discourse analysis, it was found that the discourse of sustainable entrepreneurs is identifiable with the weak sustainability discourse, albeit some traces of strong sustainability discourse. Findings also show that the discourse is characterized by having “bipolar” normative assumptions with a set of explicit weak/strong sustainability discourse values and a set of implicit market discourse beliefs. Moreover, the discourse seems to reproduce the key features of the market discourse. Based on those findings and the analysis of the current social structure, two social mechanisms (knowledge control and collateral awareness) are hypothesized as to impact the discourse of sustainable entrepreneurs.     Future research is suggested to focus on the further analysis of the phenomenon as well as a need to create knowledge to help transform the situation. Similarly, recommendations to society and sustainable entrepreneurs are made that advocate the development and application of knowledge that is free from the market discourse.