Green Entrepreneurship and the Transition to a Sustainable Economy: A Conceptual Framework for Transformative Transition Capacity

Donya Ghodoosi¹ Leila Avazpour, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.²

1) M.Sc. Student, Department of Natural Resources Policy, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2) Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

IOI Code : ACCA-ACZDBD
Publication : 4th International Congress on Science, engineering & New Technologies(secongress.com)
Abstract :
    Abstract The transition to a sustainable economy requires fundamental changes in modes of production and consumption, technologies, markets, value chains, infrastructures, and institutional arrangements. In this context, green entrepreneurship can play a role in shaping alternative pathways by identifying environmental opportunities, developing green innovations, and creating new business models. Despite the growing body of literature on green entrepreneurship, a substantial proportion of studies continues to focus on the individual and firm levels and on environmental performance, while the relationship between entrepreneurial action and systemic changes in markets, networks, and institutions has received comparatively less integrated attention. Using a conceptual-integrative review approach, this study synthesizes the literature on green entrepreneurship, sustainable entrepreneurship, green innovation, sustainable and circular business models, entrepreneurial networks and ecosystems, institutional entrepreneurship, and sustainability transitions. The results of the conceptual synthesis indicate that green entrepreneurship can move beyond the level of improving firm performance when green opportunity creation, innovation and business model reconfiguration, networking and ecosystem building, and institutional work are interconnected within a dynamic and multilevel process. Accordingly, this article proposes transformative transition capacity of green entrepreneurship as a conceptual construct. This capacity refers to the ability of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial coalitions to transform environmental challenges into innovative and scalable solutions and, ultimately, to influence socio-technical regimes. By distinguishing between green performance and transformative transition impact, the proposed framework can provide a basis for future empirical research and for designing policies aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems that contribute to sustainable transitions.

Keywords : green entrepreneurship sustainable entrepreneurship sustainability transitions transformative transition capacity green innovation circular business model