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Navigating dynamic market challenges to enhancing sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs through opportunities and disadvantages

Author

Listed:
  • Salsabila Aisyah Alfaiza

    (Telkom University)

  • Hazlinda Binti Hassan

    (Universiti Utara Malaysia)

  • Hosam Alden Riyadh

    (Telkom University
    Gulf University)

  • Baligh Ali Hasan Beshr

    (Gulf University)

  • Tuqa Abdalnafie Taha

    (University of Mosul)

  • Mohammed Ghanim Zangnaa

    (Iraqi Ministry of Finance)

Abstract

The advancement of SMEs is crucial for a global trend in every nation since they are pivotal in enhancing the national economy and creating additional opportunities, particularly in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) setting. This study aims to establish a framework regarding “the direct influence of market opportunities and challenges on sustainable entrepreneurship.” We developed a new model and descriptive steps on the basis of the variables of the study. To accomplish the research’s objective, we applied a quantitative research method to examine the influence of market opportunities and disadvantages on sustainable entrepreneurship. This research was implemented and evaluated in the business sector for numerous SMEs in South Iraqi cities, using a questionnaire as a data collection method, with a sample size of 432 general managers and marketing managers employed in SMEs. The analysis utilized the AMOS 26 software to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings indicated a direct positive effect on the market challenges and prospects for sustainable entrepreneurship. This study indicates a focus on mitigating market disadvantages and enhancing opportunities for SMEs through establishing essential guidelines and regulations that can mitigate market disadvantages and transform them into substantial opportunities that enhance sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Salsabila Aisyah Alfaiza & Hazlinda Binti Hassan & Hosam Alden Riyadh & Baligh Ali Hasan Beshr & Tuqa Abdalnafie Taha & Mohammed Ghanim Zangnaa, 2025. "Navigating dynamic market challenges to enhancing sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs through opportunities and disadvantages," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:14:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-025-00482-z
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-025-00482-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Opportunities; Disadvantages; Sustainable entrepreneurship;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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