Sustainable entrepreneurship in higher education: A systematic review and proposal of an analytical framework

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.28745

Keywords:

sustainable entrepreneurship, sustainable business, university

Abstract

Objective of the study: To investigate institutional practices promoted by universities and HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in the context of Sustainable Entrepreneurship, as evidenced in the international scientific literature in the field of Management and Business.

Methodology/approach: An exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study conducted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), following the PRISMA protocol. The descriptors “Sustainable Business” OR “Sustainable Entrepreneurship” AND (University OR “Higher Education” OR Academic*) were used in international databases, considering publications up to April 2024. Article selection was supported by the Start software, followed by exploratory reading, content analysis, and thematic categorization.

Originality/Relevance: The originality of the study lies in its institutional approach to Sustainable Entrepreneurship, going beyond the traditional focus on individual student competencies. Its relevance is in contributing to the strengthening of HEIs as agents of sustainable development, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Main results: Institutional actions were organized into three dimensions—academic, structural, and relational—systematized in an Analytical Framework for Practices to Promote Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

Contributions: The study proposes a framework applicable to different institutional contexts, contributing to theoretical advancements, policy formulation, and more effective management practices within HEIs.

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Author Biographies

Léia Maria Erlich Ruwer , Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Veranópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Researcher and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Graduate Program in Business Administration (PPGA) at Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Professor of Business Administration at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) – Veranópolis, RS, Brazil.

Heidy Rodriguez Ramos, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Researcher with a CNPq Productivity Grant. PhD in Business Administration from FEA/USP. Professor in the Graduate Program in Business Administration (PPGA – Master’s and Doctorate) and in the Graduate Program in Smart and Sustainable Cities (PPGCIS – Master’s and Doctorate) at Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE) – São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

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14.11.2025

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Ruwer , L. M. E., & Ramos, H. R. (2025). Sustainable entrepreneurship in higher education: A systematic review and proposal of an analytical framework. International Journal of Innovation, 13(3), e28745. https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.28745

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Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025): Sept./Dec.

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