The Role of Women's Entrepreneurship, Unemployment, Global Warming, and Technology in Sustainable Development: Evidence from OECD Countries

Abstract

This study examines the effects of women's entrepreneurship, global warming, technological advancements, and unemployment on the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) across 38 OECD countries. Using country-specific panel causality methods, the analysis reveals significant asymmetries between developed and developing economies. Women's entrepreneurship (FEM) and technology (TEC) demonstrate stronger positive effects in developing countries such as Mexico, Slovakia, and Costa Rica, supporting SDGs 5 and 9. Global warming (SUR) negatively affects both groups, with notable impacts in Belgium, Mexico, and the UK, emphasizing the urgency of SDG 13. Unemployment (UNM) poses greater threats to sustainable development in emerging economies—particularly in Turkey and Latin American nations—while its influence remains limited in advanced countries. These results underscore the heterogeneous nature of SDG progress and suggest that universal, one-size-fits-all policies may fall short. Instead, national strategies should strengthen gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation, while mitigating climate risks and labor market vulnerabilities. This paper presents a novel, multidimensional econometric framework and offers original insights into how interlinked economic, social, and environmental factors influence sustainability outcomes across diverse national contexts. © 2025 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.