Advancing the Digital Economy Through Innovative Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development: A Comparative Analysis of Romania and CEE Countries

The contemporary global landscape is undergoing a profound reconfiguration driven by the structural synergy between digital transformation and long-term sustainability goals. Central to this evolution is the “twin transition”, where the digital economy serves as a critical catalyst for environmental responsibility and economic resilience. This research investigates the nexus between innovative entrepreneurship and sustainable growth across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with a specific emphasis on Romania’s development trajectory during the 2020–2024 period. By utilising a multi-dimensional statistical analysis of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), Global Innovation Index (GII), and European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS), the study evaluates how digital maturity influences innovation performance. The findings underscore that fostering sustainable entrepreneurship requires the cultivation of dynamic capabilities and a robust digital infrastructure to support an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy. While Romania exhibits a steady upward trend in its digital indicators, a significant performance gap persists compared to regional leaders such as Poland and Hungary. This discrepancy is largely attributed to structural bottlenecks in digital human capital and a deficit in local research and development investment. Ultimately, the study proposes a strategic roadmap focused on green-tech incentives and interdisciplinary educational ecosystems to bridge existing gaps and unlock Romania’s innovation potential within the framework of the European digital decade.