Editorial: Innovation and sustainability in the corporate governance framework [Special issue]

The editorial explores the growing intersection between innovation, sustainability, and corporate governance. It highlights how innovation has become a key driver of long-term value creation, especially for SMEs, and emphasizes the strategic role of boards of directors in shaping sustainable corporate behavior. Regulatory reforms such as the EU Green Deal and non-financial disclosure directives have strengthened transparency and accountability, mitigating risks of greenwashing. The piece concludes by calling for deeper research on how governance mechanisms can integrate ESG performance and innovation to foster sustainable growth.