Environmental and National Economic Sustainability, Through Science Laboratory Technology in Small Scale Enterprises

In the quest of sustainable economic growth and development, the role of entrepreneurship and technological advancements has gained paramount importance. This study explores the connection of entrepreneurial practices and science laboratory technology (SLT) as catalysts for national economic development and focusing on sustainable practices with the integration of entrepreneurship and SLT for innovative solutions, increased competitiveness, and enhanced resource utilization. The study examines the symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurial initiatives and SLT within the context of national economic development. By leveraging on SLT, entrepreneurs can identify market gaps, create novel products, and improve existing processes. The design adopts a mixed-method research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A stratified random sampling method was used to ensure representation from diverse regions among 113 Scientists, Technologists, entrepreneurs SLT students/Graduates and Small-Scale business owners in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models were used to identify patterns and relationships between variables.

The result revealed the relationship of Independent Variables (SLT Sustainability, SLT Competitiveness, SLT Innovations, SLT Growth & Development and SLT Quality Standards) with the Dependent Variable (Entrepreneurial Sustainability). The independent variables indicated a positive correlation with Entrepreneurial Sustainability. SLT sustainability (r =0.492, p< 0.001), SLT Competitiveness (r = 0.268, p<0.005), SLT Innovations (r = .577, p<0.001), SLT Growth & Development (r = .586, p<0.001), SLT Quality Standards (r = .541, p<0.001). The result shows the impact of Science Laboratory Technology on entrepreneurial sustainability with a moderate effect of SLT on Entrepreneurial sustainability which could be due to certain factors considered as important contributors for entrepreneurship sustainability. The study concluded that SLT foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable business practices preparing countries to position themselves at the forefront of global competitiveness.