The relevance of social and environmental commitments for entrepreneurs during wartime: Evidence from GEM Ukraine data

Abstract

This study examines Ukrainian entrepreneurs’ commitment to social and environmental sustainability during the ongoing war and how their actions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It assesses the impact of economic, social, and infrastructural challenges on sustainability practices during the war, emphasizing the relationship between crisis management and long-term sustainability strategies. The study is based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Adult Population Survey (APS) 2023 in Ukraine. This dataset was collected as part of the GEM Ukraine project and reflects the authors’ contributions and leadership role in the initiative. Importantly, these results were not included in the GEM Global Report or other publications, which emphasizes the originality and importance of this study. A regression model examines the relationship between the Index of War Impact (IWI) and corporate attitudes toward sustainability, focusing on social and environmental contributions, awareness of the SDGs, and the visibility of socially oriented companies. The results show that economic hardships significantly drive entrepreneurs to prioritize sustainability efforts, while awareness of the SDGs plays a central role in decision-making. In contrast, the social and infrastructural impacts of war have no significant influence on contributions to sustainability. Entrepreneurs in economically challenged regions show a stronger alignment with sustainability goals, indicating adaptive strategies under crisis conditions. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to promote resilient and sustainable entrepreneurship in war-affected areas. It contributes to the academic discussion on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and resilience in times of crisis.

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