The Key Characteristics of Sustainable Entrepreneurs

Sustainable entrepreneurs play an essential role in solving environmental degradation and social problems that continuously threaten our livelihood. They destroy existing traditional production methods, products, market structures and consumption patterns, and replace them with products and services that are environmentally friendly and ethically produced. Sustainable entrepreneurs promote environmental regeneration, responsible resources management, and practice good governance. However, little is known about the characteristics that shape sustainable entrepreneurs. Based on entrepreneurship characteristics theory, the study aims to explore and uncover the personal traits and skills that shape sustainable entrepreneurs. Our paper shows that six key characteristics of sustainable entrepreneurs are altruistic, innovativeness, the ability to balance values, economic motives, and perceived capabilities, probity, self-compassion, and holistic. The study contributes to a better understanding of the inherent characteristics that promote sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings of the study can be used to develop a sustainable entrepreneurship program in higher education.