Linking disruptive innovation to sustainable entrepreneurship within the context of small and medium firms: A focus on Nigeria

Abstract

This study illuminates the linkages between disruptive innovation (DI) and sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) within the context of small and medium firms (SMFs). By adopting a systematic review of the literature, we thematized the possible connections between DI and SE practices to include: (i) contextualization of DI in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem; (ii) a model for linking DI and SE among firms in Nigeria; and (iii) mechanisms and structures that achieve DI and SE. The study elaborates on theoretical and practical implications for the SMFs stakeholders. Among the viable arguments of this research is that disruptive efforts should align with financial expectations and social value, and other expected returns for the customers. Our study extends the theoretical frontiers of the DI literature by demonstrating the interconnectedness of the DI model for SE in a developing economy, specifically Nigerian SMFs, which is seeking a transition from heavy reliance on oil exploration to a much more widespread economic base that taps other natural resources and diverse economic contributors.

Keywords:

• DI
• sustainable entrepreneurship
• small and medium enterprises
• Nigeria

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge that the present paper derives from the valuable comments that improved the quality of this work after presenting its first draft at the 3rd Covenant University International Conference on Entrepreneurship (CU-ICE), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. We also thank the journal editor and two anonymous reviewers for their critical comments enriching our study.

Authors' contributions

ASI conceived the research, developed the initial literature review, and generated the final draft. DU contributed to the literature review. PO contributed to developing the methodology.

Availability of data and material

This study did not utilize any quantitative data gathering source.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

There was no funding for this research.