Unveiling the role of sustainability practices, co-innovation and entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs performance: An empirical study in developing country

Abstract

The emergence of climate change calls for the high-intensity adoption of sustainability practices in all business actors, especially small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). Yet the adoption of such practices remains lag far lower than developed nations. This article examines the relationship between sustainability practices, a firm's strategic movements towards co-innovation and entrepreneurial orientation, and SMEs performance. Using quantitative data from questionnaires, a total of 450 SMEs in Vietnam participated in this research. The results indicate two crucial findings. First, economic and social sustainability practices enable technological innovation and innovation outcomes through co-innovation and entrepreneurial orientation. Second, the effectiveness of technological innovation on SMEs performance is examined in a developing country context. These findings will provide empirical evidence for SMEs and corporations in developing countries to craft sustainable orientations and practices to aid the Sustainable Development Goals.