Influence of Digital Leadership and Green Digital Innovation on SMEs in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examines the influence of digital leadership and green digital innovation on the performance and sustainability of SMEs in Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to examine the influence of digital leadership on the adoption of green digital innovation among SMEs in Enugu State, Nigeria, and to assess the impact of digital leadership and green digital innovation on the performance and sustainability of SMEs in Enugu State, Nigeria. This study adopts a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire design with a 5-point Likert scale in a primary data collection. The target population consists of SMEs across various sectors from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). A sample of 313 SMEs was selected from a population of 1,432 SMEs in Enugu State through stratified random sampling. The results demonstrate sustainability, with a coefficient of 0.462 (p=0.000), while green innovation (GDI) also had a strong positive effect with a coefficient of 0.347 (p=0.000). This study concluded that digital leadership has a significant positive influence on SME performance and sustainability. Therefore, it is imperative for SME managers to adopt green digital practices and improve their digital leadership skills. The study recommends, among others, that SME owners and managers should prioritize the development of their digital leadership capabilities by participating in leadership seminars, training programs, and continuous education that emphasize innovation management and digital transformation.