How to Sustain Businesses in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Focus on Innovation, Sustainability and Leadership

Abstract This study aims to discuss the universal and important theme of how innovation supports the growth of global firms, relying on two issues: technology adoption and sustainability in the global marketplace. In other words, the main goal of this research is to show how global innovation management can respond to difficult market conditions and maintain sustainability of businesses through problem solving. The electric vehicle sector was chosen as the object of the study as it faced unprecedented challenges brought about by COVID-19. The electric vehicle sector has emerged as a new model in the automotive sector with accumulations of innovative technologies and is destined to continue to evolve, from the perspective of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) backed up by policy interventions. The methodological tools of the conducted research were the methods of office research, analysis of primary and secondary data, bibliometric analysis of literature. The article presents the results of an empirical study based on primary data collection and analysis, the generalization of scientific work on the impact of innovations on ensuring sustainable business development. Based on a comparative analysis of the main models of conducting innovative research, such as the diffusion model, business model innovation, and Lewin’s change management model, the most successful innovative solutions and the best practices of their implementation at specific companies are determined. The contribution of this study is to build on previous findings and academic discussions in the innovation field, analyse case studies of successful realization of sustainable business through innovative actions in response to unprecedented difficulties caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The greatest contribution is to discuss the paths that innovation has successfully taken, with examples of specific companies, and to present a practical discussion agenda that will provide suggestions through stimulating further discussion in future research.