Investigating Sustainable Business Practices for the Future: A Comparative Study of Green Entrepreneurship in the Global North and South

Introductory Description This research paper, "Investigating Sustainable Business Practices for the Future: A Comparative Study of Green Entrepreneurship in the Global North and South," presented by Tobia Magezi Omal at the One-Day Students' Seminar on Green Entrepreneurship, explores the evolving landscape of sustainable business development through the lens of green entrepreneurship. It highlights how environmental sustainability and economic progress can be aligned through innovative and responsible business practices. Grounded in Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT), the paper investigates how entrepreneurship that emphasizes environmental stewardship unfolds differently across regions, shaped by diverse economic conditions, policy environments, and access to technology. While entrepreneurs in the Global North often benefit from supportive government policies, advanced infrastructure, and readily available financing, those in the Global South face persistent challenges such as limited funding, weak regulatory frameworks, and infrastructural gaps. However, the South also holds significant potential, especially in untapped markets and sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. The study adopts a comparative approach to analyze both challenges and opportunities, guided by two key research questions: (1) How do the challenges faced by green entrepreneurs differ between the Global North and South? (2) What green business opportunities exist in each region? These questions are addressed through a review of recent literature, policy analysis, and theoretical interpretation, aiming to inform actionable strategies that bridge the global green entrepreneurship divide. Key findings underscore a widening technological and innovation gap, with policies in the North—such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act—unintentionally disadvantaging Southern markets. Despite this, there is rising momentum in the South, driven by increasing environmental awareness and growing global demand for sustainable solutions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations including expanding financial access, investing in infrastructure, and enhancing education and training to foster inclusive green entrepreneurship.Overall, the study provides a timely and policy-relevant contribution to the discourse on sustainable development, advocating for targeted interventions to unlock the potential of green entrepreneurs across both the Global North and South.