Stefano Bresciani, University of Torino

Jawad Abbas, James Cook University

Fauzia Jabeen, Abu Dhabi University

In today's dynamic evolving technology landscape, firms face a transformative wave caused by technological advancements which are omnipresent, from automating manufacturing processes to leveraging big data analytics for strategic decisions. This development warrants entrepreneurial firms to develop digital capabilities strategically to navigate these changes, effectively positioning themselves for innovation and growth and enabling them to improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.

This call for papers focuses on exploring the strategies employed by entrepreneurial firms in building digital capabilities to enhance their ESG performance, addressing challenges, and leveraging opportunities in sustainable business practices.

In an ever-changing technological milieu where technological proficiency is synonymous with competitive advantage, fostering digital capabilities becomes a survival necessity, empowering firms to orchestrate agility, resilience, and sustainable performance. The digital age has ushered in transformative opportunities and challenges, redefining the landscape for entrepreneurial firms striving to align with ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities.

Entrepreneurial ventures, characterized by innovation, agility, and risk-taking, are at the forefront of shaping the future of business. Their unique characteristics make them prime actors in navigating the complexities of integrating digital capabilities for improved ESG outcomes. Improving ESG performance is imperative for organizations, transcending mere compliance to embody a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. This commitment holds profound implications for various stakeholders, ranging from shareholders to customers, suppliers, employees, and others.

Improved ESG performance mitigates risks associated with environmental impact and social responsibility, enhances corporate reputation, and attracts conscientious investors. Stakeholders increasingly scrutinize ESG metrics as a reflection of an organization's ethical standing and long-term viability. It fosters a symbiotic relationship, aligning corporate objectives with societal expectations and contributing to building a more responsible and resilient business ecosystem.

This Collection aims to unravel the intricate role of building digital capabilities in entrepreneurial firms' improved ESG performance. By exploring this intersection, we seek to understand how digital capabilities can contribute to a more environmentally and socially responsible entrepreneurial firm with a strong governance structure. We invite experimental, conceptual, theoretical, and empirical studies exploring the convergence of digital capabilities in shaping entrepreneurial firms' ESG performance, shed light on challenges, and explain solutions.

While the listed topics and questions are primary interests, we remain open to manuscripts that explain other complexities relevant to digital capabilities and ESG performance. We are keen to receive manuscripts that employ innovative methods and engage deeply with the prevailing dilemmas and dialogues in entrepreneurial research. Your insights and academic rigor will help broaden our collective comprehension of the complexities, challenges, and impacts surrounding building digital capabilities strategies and their implications for ESG performance.

Potential topics

• How do entrepreneurial ventures define and measure ESG performance in the digital era? And what critical digital capabilities contribute to their improved ESG performance?
• What challenges do entrepreneurial firms face in integrating digital solutions to enhance environmental sustainability? What could be the best practices for tackling those challenges?
• What are the possible learning mechanisms and knowledge-sharing processes within entrepreneurial ecosystems that could foster development of digital capabilities for ESG goals?
• What roles do leadership and organizational culture play in fostering digital capabilities for superior ESG performance in entrepreneurial firms?
• How can entrepreneurial firms effectively utilize digital technologies to measure and improve their environmental performance within ESG frameworks?
• How can digital capabilities be harnessed to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges in entrepreneurial firms, contributing to improved social sustainability?
• How do digitalization efforts impact the governance structures of entrepreneurial firms in the context of sustainability? What actions could be taken to improve it?
• To what extent do regulatory frameworks influence the adoption of digital strategies for ESG compliance in entrepreneurial settings?
• How do digital technologies facilitate transparency and accountability in ESG reporting for entrepreneurial firms?
• How can entrepreneurial firms balance profitability goals with sustainable practices through digital transformations? Under this scenario, which opportunities and challenges could arise?
• What lessons can we learn from recent, real-world cases that showcase the impact of digital capabilities on ESG performance in different industries, particularly entrepreneurial firms, and how can new guidelines lead toward improved ESG performance?

Timeline

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