Inner development goals for sustainable innovation: a micro-foundational framework

Purpose This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that links the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to sustainable entrepreneurship. It addresses the overlooked role of inner capacities such as empathy, systems thinking and resilience in driving systemic invention. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a conceptual approach. This paper uses heuristic vignettes. This paper synthesizes socioemotional wealth theory, entrepreneurial identity theory and institutional work to construct a behavioral model of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship. Three illustrative vignettes provide pattern-based insights to clarify theoretical constructs. Findings The proposed framework posits that entrepreneurs with high alignment to IDG dimensions are more likely to pursue sustainability-driven ventures. It is also expected to exhibit stronger cross-cultural ethical sensitivity and translate institutional contexts into prosocial innovation strategies. IDGs function as mediators between internal motivation and external impact. Research limitations/implications This is an early-stage theoretical contribution. While grounded in existing literature, the framework requires empirical testing using longitudinal, cross-cultural and psychometric approaches. Practical implications The findings inform the design of incubators, accelerators and educational programs by encouraging the integration of IDG-aligned training into entrepreneurship ecosystems. Policymakers may also use IDGs to reframe invention metrics toward internal capacities for sustainability. Social implications Embedding internal development into entrepreneurship can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals by aligning personal transformation with global systems change. Originality/value This paper introduces a values-based, microfoundational model of sustainable entrepreneurship that emphasizes that scalable sustainability begins within the entrepreneur. It positions IDGs as a span between human development and systemic impact. It contributes original insight to innovation and sustainability studies.