G-Forum 2024 in Ingolstadt: Insights from Sustainable Entrepreneurship for the Socio-Ecological Transformation

The event focused on the theme “Entrepreneurship and Transformation – Resilience in Times of Fundamental Change.” Lana Vizjak and Kerstin Haag presented initial findings from the Chair’s current research project during the session on Entrepreneurship and Transformation: “Impulses from Sustainable Entrepreneurship for the Socio-Ecological Transformation. A Case-Based Analysis of Influencers, Context Factors, and Impact Pathways.”

Sustainable business models often remain niche phenomena. The challenge lies in scaling sustainable entrepreneurship to reach broader societal groups and drive the transition in production and consumption. This is where the study comes in, contributing insights into the factors that can facilitate not only the founding of sustainable businesses but also their growth and ability to inspire sustainability transformation. To address this question, the project team conducted a case study of three examples from the Ingolstadt region.

At the G-Forum, Lana Vizjak and Kerstin Haag presented preliminary findings from their work. The study confirms that networks support the activities of sustainable businesses. Additionally, the results suggest that knowledge transfer, raising awareness of sustainability, and imitation effects could be significant impacts of sustainable companies. Serving as role models, conducting sustainability research, and engaging employees and business partners in participatory ways appear to be key pathways through which sustainable businesses create impact. However, the research also highlights the challenge of finding suitable partners.

The discussion during the session underscored the relevance of this topic and the need for further research in the field. The project team will now continue its work and publish the findings in an academic article.