The mediating role of digital innovation for the relationship between entrepreneurship and sustainable development

Entrepreneurship is essential in fostering sustainable development since it deals with the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This study aims to explore the influence of entrepreneurship on sustainable development and the mediation role of digital innovation in Jordanian universities. A quantitative empirical research design was adopted, collecting primary data via a survey questionnaire from a sample of 322 administrative employees selected because of their centrality in the implementation of institutional strategies and fostering entrepreneurial initiatives consistent with sustainability objectives. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS 4 software to test the proposed relationships. The results have determined that entrepreneurship significantly influences sustainable development (β = 0.48, p ≤ 0.05) and strongly predicts digital innovation (β = 0.70, p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, digital innovation is positively related to sustainable development (β = 0.55, p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, digital innovation mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship and sustainable development since the mediated effect is significant (β = 0.60, p ≤ 0.01). These findings underline the strategic importance of digital innovation in increasing the impact of entrepreneurship on sustainability and offer lessons that university leaders and policymakers can use to integrate entrepreneurship and digital innovation into institutional strategies relevant to accomplishing sustainable development goals.