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Economic and Social Impacts of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Systematic Review and Bibliometric Study of Global Evidence

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  • Engidaw Abriham Ebabu
  • Haichun Yu
  • Zou Weikang
  • Hongling Gong

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of sustainable entrepreneurship's economic and social impacts from 2000 to 2024, synthesizing insights from 476 peer‐reviewed studies. Employing the B‐SLR framework alongside R‐Studio and VOSviewer, it maps the intellectual structure, identifies research frontiers, and highlights critical gaps. Findings underscore sustainable entrepreneurship's pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation, particularly in green sectors such as renewable energy and waste management. However, sectoral disparities and limited intersectional analyses on gender and socio‐economic dimensions persist. By integrating the Resource‐Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Theory with stakeholder perspectives, this study advances theoretical discourse while offering actionable insights for policymakers and businesses. The results underscore the need for targeted strategies that align sustainability with economic resilience, fostering inclusive growth, and long‐term competitiveness. This work provides a foundational roadmap for future research and strategic decision‐making in sustainable entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Engidaw Abriham Ebabu & Haichun Yu & Zou Weikang & Hongling Gong, 2025. "Economic and Social Impacts of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Systematic Review and Bibliometric Study of Global Evidence," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 5890-5903, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:4:p:5890-5903
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3440
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