Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Innovation
Welcome to the Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Innovation (ESI) Department. We support students, researchers, and organisations to explore how ideas are developed, how they can be delivered responsibly, and how they evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Our approach blends academic rigour with real-world relevance. Whether you are launching a new venture, driving sustainable transformation, or developing innovative solutions within organisations, our programmes equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a meaningful impact. Teaching is delivered by a team of leading academics and experienced practitioners.
Our research spans a diverse range of topics, including inclusive entrepreneurship, business ethics and sustainability, innovation ecosystems, and international business. Projects have addressed barriers to entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups, the catalyst role of social innovation, as well as sustainability, social and environmental justice in global supply chains.
We are proud to host both the Haydn Green Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HGI) and the Centre for Society, Nature and Organisations (SNO). These vibrant communities extend learning beyond the classroom.
HGI offers a range of exciting opportunities that enable students, alumni, and external participants to develop their ideas and turn them into impactful ventures. These include the Ingenuity Lab, which supports University of Nottingham students and alumni in launching and growing their start-ups including: YES (Your Entrepreneurship Scheme), a national competition that encourages PhD researchers, postdoctoral scientists, and technicians to think creatively and explore the commercial potential of their ideas; and the Witty Entrepreneurship Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds with financial awards, business start-up costs, and mentoring so they can pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
The Centre for Society, Nature and Organizations (SNO) provides an inclusive space for collaborative and inter-disciplinary research that focuses on the transformative role of organisations (be they private, public or community based) in promoting social and environmental justice. Current research projects tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, human rights and business, marginalised communities, sustainable entrepreneurship, health inequalities, food poverty and security, the circular economy, sustainable finance and responsible consumption. SNO is a member of the international Network for Business Sustainability
In the Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Innovation Department, we equip our students to address real world challenges posed by business and society, in an effective, profitable and sustainable way.
Teaching
Research
People
The Ingenuity Process in Action: SMEs
Connect with Nottingham University Business School