Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Environmental sustainability and circular economy in SMEs: a qualitative approach from the Spanish experience
ID_Doc 2887
Authors Pinuer, FV; Andreu, JL; Belbeze, PL
Title Environmental sustainability and circular economy in SMEs: a qualitative approach from the Spanish experience
Year 2024
Published International Journal Of Entrepreneurship & Small Business, 51, 3
DOI 10.1504/IJESB.2024.136346
Abstract The need for companies to define sustainability-based strategies has gained more relevance in modern society. In lieu, this study examines environmental sustainability (ES), the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices, and their conceptual relationship with SME managers. The methodology employed is in-depth interviews applied to SME managers of Catalonia (Spain), a prominent business area in Europe. This study reveals the slow incorporation of ES in SMEs through CE tools such as recycle, recovery, and reuse in the final stages of their production process. The knowledge about CE tools and their potential, the low pressure from customers regarding environmental issues, and the lack of communication and incentives to adopt ES norms can explain this behaviour. The development of environmental public policies for SMEs and an ecosystem that allows the exchange of resources and collaboration help decrease these companies' overall resource use.
Author Keywords environmental sustainability; circular economy; competitiveness; small and medium enterprises; SMEs
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
EID WOS:001215691600002
WoS Category Business; Management
Research Area Business & Economics
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll