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The Role of Technological Innovation in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals: Linking Economic, Environmental, and Social Dimensions Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship

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  • Chaves‐Vargas Joana Carolina
  • Ribes‐Giner Gabriela
  • Moya‐Clemente Ismael

Abstract

In recent years, the study of sustainable development has become increasingly important within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, this article investigates the role of technological innovation in achieving economic and environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its impact on the continuity of sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) over time, and the subsequent effect on the achievement of social SDGs. The study is based on macro‐level data from 50 countries for the year 2017, obtained from three internationally recognised databases: Sustainable Development Report, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), and Global Innovation Index (GII). To test the proposed relational model, the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) model was used. The results reveal that technological innovation has a positive effect on the achievement of economic and environmental SDGs, which in turn are positively associated with the continuity of sustainable entrepreneurship. Finally, the results suggest that sustainable entrepreneurship over time contributes significantly to the advancement of social SDGs. In general, the study provides new evidence on the interconnection between technological innovation, sustainable development goals and sustainable entrepreneurship over time, all at the macro level, highlighting their joint contribution to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Chaves‐Vargas Joana Carolina & Ribes‐Giner Gabriela & Moya‐Clemente Ismael, 2026. "The Role of Technological Innovation in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals: Linking Economic, Environmental, and Social Dimensions Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2963-2981, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:2:p:2963-2981
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70448
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