Entrepreneurial business intelligence and green innovation in international banks: The mediating role of sustainability practices

Abstract

Type of the article: Research ArticleAbstractThe study aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial business intelligence and green innovation, as well as the mediating effect of sustainability practices. Data were collected in July and August 2025, focusing on managers and departmental heads at seven major international banks: HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Bank of America, and BNP Paribas. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed online, of which 378 valid responses were retained for analysis, and participants were mainly from selected branches and regional offices in Europe and North America. PLS-SEM was conducted using SmartPLS 4. The findings showed that entrepreneurial business intelligence had a positive and statistically significant effect on green innovation (β = 0.228, p < 0.001). Additionally, entrepreneurial business intelligence exerted a significant positive effect on sustainability practices (β = 0.365, p < 0.001). Sustainability practices also exerted a positive and statistically significant effect on green innovation (β = 0.405, p < 0.001). Sustainability practices were found to mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial business intelligence and green innovation, resulting in a significant indirect effect (β = 0.148, p < 0.001). Moreover, the total effect of entrepreneurial business intelligence on green innovation was positive (β = 0.376, p < 0.001). The findings imply that international banks leveraging data-driven entrepreneurial business intelligence together with sustainability practices are better positioned to enhance green innovation in support of green finance.