The impact of innovative entrepreneurship management on industrial competitiveness and international expansion in food economy and trade in the digital era

Purpose The objective of this research is to provide an empirically grounded and theoretically informed analysis of the influence of innovative entrepreneurship management on industrial competitiveness and the international expansion of the food economy within the broader context of global digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a conceptual model underpinned by the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, operationalizing four dimensions of entrepreneurial management: opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial ability, entrepreneurial culture and resource management. A robust quantitative methodology is utilized to estimate the relationships between these constructs, industrial competitiveness and internationalization in the food sector. Findings The empirical analysis demonstrates statistically significant and positive associations between each dimension of entrepreneurial management and both industrial competitiveness and international market engagement, thereby validating the proposed conceptual framework. Originality/value This research provides a new model for understanding the role of innovative entrepreneurship in enhancing industrial competitiveness and facilitating internationalization in the food economy. The findings offer strategic insights for food industry stakeholders aiming to strengthen their position in a rapidly digitizing global market.