Corporate entrepreneurship and the sustainable development goals: exploring the connection

Abstract This study explores the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing gaps in the existing literature through empirical evidence. It analyses how CE activities contribute to the social, environmental, economic, and cooperative dimensions of the SDGs, with a particular focus on those related to peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships (SDG 16—peace, justice and strong institutions and 17—partnerships for the goals). Furthermore, the study evaluates the interrelationships among SDG variables, confirming significant associations that contribute to both theoretical development and practical applications. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and exploratory methodology was employed, with a sample of 144,994 adults from 41 countries across five regions of the world. Data on CE were sourced from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2019), while SDG indicators were obtained from the SDGs Report (2022). To analyze the proposed relationships, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized, a technique well-suited for complex models involving latent variables and indirect relationships. The results confirm all the hypotheses, although they reveal that the impact of CE on the SDGs is positive but weak. In contrast, the interrelationships between SDG variables exhibit stronger effects, particularly highlighting a significant relationship between cooperative SDGs (SUPRA) and social SDGs (SOC). These findings underscore the role of SDGs 16 and 17 as key drivers of global sustainable development. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of CE as a driver of the SDGs, though its impact on specific dimensions is limited. Practically, it highlights the importance of integrating institutional and business efforts to enhance the impact of CE on the SDGs. The findings are crucial for informing government policies that promote sustainable development and for developing corporate strategies that align with these goals.