GREEN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TRANSITIONS

Abstract

The growing need for sustainable development in developing economies underscores the importance of green innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of systemic change. This study examined the role of green innovation adoption and entrepreneurial initiatives in advancing sustainable development transitions in Imo State, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 215 managers, owners, and senior staff of green-oriented firms using a structured questionnaire titled Green Technology and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Transitions Questionnaire (GTETSQ), validated with a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that green innovation adoption significantly improves sustainability outcomes by enhancing environmental performance, resource efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. Entrepreneurship was also found to play a critical role in driving sustainable transitions by promoting innovation, embedding eco-friendly business models, and transforming environmental challenges into viable business opportunities. The study concludes that green innovation and entrepreneurship are essential enablers of sustainable development in Imo State and recommends government incentives, capacity-building programs for entrepreneurs, and supportive policies to accelerate sustainability-driven innovation and foster long-term resilience.