Innovation Efficiency and Climate Resilience in Agri‐Startups: The Role of Climate‐Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Supply Chains

ABSTRACT This study examines how climate‐smart agricultural practices and sustainable supply chains are associated with innovation efficiency in agri‐startups in Vietnam. Using structural equation model (SEM) on survey data from 476 firms, the results show that green entrepreneurship, the adoption of renewable energy technologies, and deep supply chain integration are significantly associated with improved innovation outcomes. While climate resilience and community well‐being are not directly measured, qualitative insights and prior literature suggest that such innovation and sustainability practices may contribute to broader goals of adaptive capacity and inclusive development. The findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 13 (Climate Action)—by highlighting the potential role of grassroots innovation in climate change adaptation and low‐carbon sustainable development. The study provides policy recommendations to foster a more inclusive, climate‐smart enterprise ecosystem, including integrating agri‐startups into corporate climate reporting frameworks and addressing power imbalances in climate policy to empower these ventures.