Responsible Entrepreneurial Ecosystems as Catalysts for Sustainable Innovation : A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/amcije/2026/v9i1/176043

Keywords:

responsible entrepreneurial ecosystem, sustainability, ESG integration, entrepreneurship.
JEL Classification Codes : L26, M14, O35, Q56

Abstract

Purpose : This study examined the emerging field of responsible entrepreneurial ecosystems (REEs) through a systematic literature review (SLR) and a thematic analysis. REEs incorporated responsibility and accountability into entrepreneurial activity and were characterized as ecosystems that maximized societal contributions while reducing negative consequences for people and the environment.

Design : The review identified current trends and themes in the field by analyzing 20 papers retrieved from the SCOPUS database using specific keywords and explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. The papers were manually analyzed using a thematic coding technique to find recurring patterns in the literature.

Findings : Six major themes emerged: sustainable integration; digital technology; integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors; corporate social responsibility; responsible entrepreneurship; and ecosystem-level challenges. The results emphasized the importance of promoting ethical and sustainable behavior in business ecosystems to achieve a positive social and environmental impact. This review advances our understanding of REEs, lays the groundwork for further research and policy development in this critical area, and highlights a substantial research gap due to the scarcity of Indian research.

Practical Implications : The results provided policymakers, educators, and ecosystem builders with an organized framework for designing interventions that promoted ethical entrepreneurship, especially in developing ecosystems where institutional support remained scarce.

Originality : The research represents an original contribution by the researchers, unraveling avenues into novel, unexplored areas of research. The paucity of extant literature and structured data highlighted a research gap that this study sought to address.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Kaur, A., & Anil, K. (2026). Responsible Entrepreneurial Ecosystems as Catalysts for Sustainable Innovation : A Systematic Literature Review. AMC Indian Journal of Entrepreneurship, 9(1), 22–38. https://doi.org/10.17010/amcije/2026/v9i1/176043

Issue

Volume 9, Issue 1, January-June 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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