The Impact of Entrepreneurial Perspectives on Sustainable Development in the Danube Region
Abstract
This paper explores entrepreneurial perspectives and their contribution to the sustainable development of the Danube region, with a particular focus on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of entrepreneurship within this strategic European area. Previous studies identify entrepreneurship as a key driver of regional development and sustainability; however, research specifically focused on the Danube region remains fragmented. Existing literature often addresses economic growth and environmental sustainability separately, which highlights the need for integrated conceptual analyses adapted to the Danubian context. The study adopts a qualitative and conceptual research approach based on a critical review of academic literature, policy documents, and strategic frameworks related to entrepreneurship and sustainable development in the Danube region. The analysis integrates insights from regional development theories and sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship. The findings emphasize the role of entrepreneurial perspectives in supporting sustainable regional development, environmental protection, and social cohesion in the Danube region. The paper highlights how sustainability-driven entrepreneurship can align economic objectives with long-term ecological and social goals. By proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework, this study contributes to Danubian studies by deepening the understanding of how entrepreneurial perspectives influence sustainable development. It also provides relevant insights for policymakers, regional development authorities, and entrepreneurs engaged in shaping sustainable regional strategies.
References
Anatolie, B., Elena, P. R. U. S., & Margineanu, E. (2024). Access to the European cultural heritage of settlements and towns in the Danube macro-region through interoperable strategies digital transformation. Smart Cities and Regional Development (SCRD) Journal, 8(3), 79-95.
Artuso, S., Politti, E., Tramberend, S., Smilovic, M., & Kahil, T. (2025). Developing a safe operating space framework for water resources in the Danube River basin. EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, EGU25-5915.
Autio, E., Komlósi, É., Szerb, L., Galambosné Tiszberger, M., Park, D., & Jinjarak, Y. (2025). Digital entrepreneurship landscapes in developing Asia: insights from the Global Index of Digital Entrepreneurship Systems. European Journal of Innovation Management, 28(7), 2845-2872.
Belz, F. M., & Binder, J. K. (2017). Sustainable entrepreneurship: A convergent process model. Business strategy and the environment, 26(1), 1-17.
Cohen, B., & Winn, M. I. (2007). Market imperfections, opportunity and sustainable entrepreneurship. Journal of business venturing, 22(1), 29-49.
Davari, A., Akbari, M., Baghersad, V., & Rezvani, A. (2022). Entrepreneurial ecosystem and competitiveness in different regions: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative approach. European Journal of International Management, 1(1), 1.
Fritsch, M. (2017). The effect of new business formation on regional development. The Wiley Handbook of Entrepreneurship, 379-400.
Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The Circular Economy–A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of cleaner production, 143, 757-768.
Hagiu, A., Bâldan, C., & Bărbulescu, M. (2024). Analysis of the Evolution of Trade in the Danube Region Countries. Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, 14(1), 9-22.
Hall, J. K., Daneke, G. A., & Lenox, M. J. (2010). Sustainable development and entrepreneurship: Past contributions and future directions. Journal of business venturing, 25(5), 439-448.
Koller, B. (2010). The Danube: the reinvented symbol of Europe. Report Hungarian Europe Society, 5, 1-15.
Leal, M., Leal, C., & Silva, R. (2025). Entrepreneurial ecosystems and knowledge management: systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 1-48.
Malecki, E. J. (2018). Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Geography compass, 12(3), 12359.
Marchis, G. (2021). EU Macro-Regional Strategies–A Great Solution for a Better Future. Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, 11(2), 161-173.
Probst, E., & Mauser, W. (2022). Climate change impacts on water resources in the Danube River Basin: A hydrological modelling study using EURO-CORDEX climate scenarios. Water, 15(1), 8.
Rahmi, S., Wardi, Y., & Rino, R. (2025). Innovation and Entrepreneurship as Drivers of SME Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis. Al-Kharaj: Journal of Islamic Economic and Business, 7(4).
Rodríguez-Pose, A., & Crescenzi, R. (2008). Research and development, spillovers, innovation systems, and the genesis of regional growth in Europe. Regional studies, 42(1), 51-67.
Rosário, A. T., Raimundo, R. J., & Cruz, S. P. (2022). Sustainable entrepreneurship: A literature review. Sustainability, 14(9), 5556.
Rus, M. I., Munteanu, I., Vaidianu, N., & Aivaz, K. A. (2025). Research Trends Concerning the Danube Delta: A Specific Social-Ecological System Facing Climate Uncertainty. Earth, 6(1), 7.
Scartozzi, G., Delladio, S., Rosati, F., Nikiforou, A. I., & Caputo, A. (2025). The social and environmental impact of entrepreneurship: a review and future research agenda. Review of Managerial Science, 19(4), 1041-1072.
Spinazzola, M., Scuotto, V., Pironti, M., & Del Giudice, M. (2025). Connectedness of entrepreneurial ecosystems: evidence from the mobility of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurs. Small Business Economics, 1-18.
Stoiconi, C. R. C. (2024). Exploring innovations and sustainable growth in the danube region. Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, 14(1), 74-86.
Zavarská, Z. (2024). Economic strategies for a thriving Danube Region . Policy Notes and Reports, 84, 5 -29
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Claudia Ramona Ciocnitu Stoiconi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The author fully assumes the content originality and the holograph signature makes him responsible in case of trial.
