Programa del congreso

Sustainable entrepreneurship is a form of enterprising bringing radical change and repurposing the economic system within Earth’s planetary boundaries. Understanding what influences sustainable entrepreneurs throughout the entrepreneurial process is crucial to be able to build adequate support systems. In this paper, we use fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to study the influence of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive institutional dimensions on sustainable entrepreneurship. Our data collection took place in the highly entrepreneurial and socially progressive region of Catalonia in Spain. Results indicate that the regulative dimension in the form of government support and the cultural-cognitive dimension through abilities and knowledge to start a sustainable firm affect sustainable entrepreneurship. From the normative dimension (sustainability culture) we measure no effect which could be explained by an only slowly evolving consciousness for environmental and social matters while progressive regions like Catalonia may drive more direct and immediate change through government support for sustainable entrepreneurs. We highlight our theoretical contribution by revealing institutional dimensions relevant for driving collective action for sustainability, in the form of sustainable entrepreneurship. We also give important policy implications emphasizing the need for tailored governmental support adapted to the specific needs of sustainable entrepreneurs addressing complex and interdependent sustainability challenges.

We test the role of personality traits and environmental orientation (EO) as antecedents of entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control (EPBC)- the degree of self-confidence when developing entrepreneurship - a robust antecedent of entrepreneurial intentions. In contrast with previous literature, we distinguish between pro- (a person’s disposition to act in favor of the natural environment) and anti- (reflects the view of environmental protection as a sort of impediment, in opposition to business and entrepreneurship) EO. We use a sample of 823 university students and structural equation modeling to analyze the role of competitiveness, emotiveness, and caring-for-others personality attributes and EO as antecedents of EPBC. Our results indicate that competitiveness and emotiveness personality attributes are significant antecedents of EPBC and that the caring-for-others personality attribute positively impacts pro-EO and negatively impacts anti-EO in university students, which in turn impacts EPBC. We argue that considering both types of EO reveals different mechanisms through which personality traits affect EPBC. We contribute to the growing literature on integrating environmental issues into business to minimize the harmful effects of entrepreneurial activities on the natural environment. Results suggest that educational institutions interested in sustainable entrepreneurship should promote more caring for others and less competitiveness as fundamental personality traits.

This study assesses the impact of government-backed participative loans on 758 Spanish startups between 2005 and 2017, focusing on the supply chain and local economy sectors. Employing an instrumental variables approach, the analysis reveals that receiving a participative loan correlates with an average job increase of 2.99. Significantly, in supply chain startups, the effect is more pronounced, showing an average rise of 15.28 jobs, excluding the Spanish economic crisis period. This research highlights the critical role of sector-specific financial support, particularly underlining the responsiveness of the supply chain sector to such economic stimuli. The findings advocate for strategic government investment in supply chain economy startups, especially during financial downturns, to bolster job creation and sustain local economic growth. These insights underscore the necessity for targeted financial interventions to support sectoral development and economic resilience.

Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors related to work and business that significantly impact entrepreneurs' propensity to experience anxiety

Theoretical framework: Previous research has shown that entrepreneurship is linked to feelings of well-being, but also to moments of intense stress, particularly in crisis contexts that pose new threats to mental health.

Methodology: With a sample of 1,741 entrepreneurs in Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal) in 2021 after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study conducts a multiple regression analysis. In addition, a student test revealed differences in anxiety levels, considering the demographic variables of the entrepreneurs.

Results: Factors influencing anxiety states are the increased frequency of emotionally disturbing situations, the need to use free time to meet the demands of work, and the difficulty in assuming responsibilities in business management. In addition, exposed and vulnerable groups have been identified in each country. Finally, the practical implications and their contribution to the achievement of the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been related, mainly to SDG 3 which focuses on mental health and well-being.