This editorial paper outlines key concepts in the realm of multinational corporations (MNCs), sustainability and social change. It also highlights possible synergies between the concepts of corporate sustainability and corporate entrepreneurship and introduces the articles included in this special issue. In so doing, patterns in extent research on MNCs' roles in sustainable development are identified, such as a focus on case-study research and the use of theoretical concepts rooted in mainstream business studies. On this basis, the editorial paper draws pathways for future investigations, such as applying a broader understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship to the sustainability activities of MNCs.