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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 25575

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Francesca Gennari

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Guest Editor

Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Interests: corporate sustainability; corporate strategy; circular economy

Prof. Dr. Raffaella Cassano

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Guest Editor

Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Interests: corporate sustainability; corporate strategy and risk management; circular economy

Prof. Dr. Fabio La Rosa

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Guest Editor

Department of Law, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
Interests: corporate social responsibility; business ethics; corporate governance; SMEs; corporate crime; risk management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last 20 years, numerous scholars have focused on the importance of sustainable value creation by companies as a source of global competitive advantage. The latest crisis due to COVID-19 has accelerated the debate around the non-sustainability of the current business approach, pressing for new sustainable business models.

European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are recognized by the European Commission as the backbone of the European economy, constituting 99% of the total European business and 85% of total European employment (Eurostat, 2018). The transition toward a more sustainable development of companies requires a deep change in strategic thinking and in the ways that business is conducted. Unfortunately, SMEs are burdened by their limited resources and the various barriers that they face, all of which impede their transition to a sustainability which is consistent with their dimensions and the respective industries in which they operate. For this reason, the existing literature on SMEs must be extended to include studies related to SMEs’ contribution to sustainability.

Hence, in this Special Issue, we invite papers that address the challenges SMEs face when it comes to identifying paths to sustainable development that involve changes to their business models. Original theoretical research papers and case studies are welcome.

Topics may include but are not limited to:

- Sustainability business models

- Circular economy

- Sustainability performance assessment

- Sustainability and innovation

- Barriers to sustainability strategies in SMEs

Prof. Dr. Francesca Gennari
Prof. Dr. Raffaella Cassano
Prof. Dr. Fabio La Rosa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

SMEs
sustainability business model
circular economy
sustainability strategy

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Hybrid Business Model of Benefit Corporation: The Case of an Italian Film Production Company

by Rosaria Ferlito and Rosario Faraci

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5836; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14105836 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1870

Abstract

In the last decade, individual awareness of the impacts generated by the activities of businesses has increased more than ever. Consumers, employees and investors have begun to criticize business behaviors that negatively affect either society or the environment. Given this context, and relying on the literature relating to hybrid organizations and sustainable business models, our research aims to investigate how dual logic affects the business model of benefit corporations in the Italian film production industry. To capture the complexity of this type of firm, we adopted a qualitative research method, the case study approach. The case selected was ARE FILMS srl, a creative film production company. It has been a benefit corporation since it was founded. The study suggests that the capacity of hybrid businesses to achieve a hybrid mission is intrinsically embedded in their business model. A young film production benefit corporation is more likely to adopt a semi-integrated business model that does not create an external perception of dual corporate identity and does not affect economic sustainability. Moreover, the sustainable value proposition emerges even without the formal application of accepted protocols. Furthermore, we realized that the size of the firm affects business modelling. Finally, this research underlines the fact that benefit corporations do not require external pressure to implement sustainable practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

9 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Workplace Mental Well Being for Sustainable SMEs: How?

by Ayse Basak Cinar and Stephane Bilodeau

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095290 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3847

Abstract

Sustainable mental health and wellbeing (MHW), as addressed under SDG3, is crucial for achieving sustainable development, notably for sustainable SMEs growth. MWH is specifically interlinked with SDGs 8, 9 and 11: Economic growth and prosperity, sustainable communities, innovation, and jobs. Studies show over 200 million workdays are lost due to poor MHW each year, referring to the global cost of $1 trillion/year in lost productivity and it is increasing every year. Poor workplace MWH is almost an epidemic after COVID-19. It will be a significant challenge for a long time, in particular for SMEs which are hit hardest by the pandemic, as MHW problems have been shown to be a COVID side effect among 1:5 people. Despite the multifactorial aetiology of MHW (individual, social, environmental, and organizational), interventions for workplace MHW mostly refer to ‘one size fits all’ and top-down solutions, primarily asking for the commitment and behaviour change of employees; that has shown to be ineffective. The main assumption underlying the present work is the need for a proactive and tailored MHW frameworks that can be blended to organizational policies. The objective which corresponds to the main purpose of the paper is to provide a 5-staged MWH model, stemming from our evidence-based studies, that may speak for the identified need. We also discuss how the Model can provide a route map on how SMEs can implement and measure SDGs relevant to their business in synergistic interaction with SDG3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

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33 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing and Monitoring Circular Business Models: An Analysis of Italian SMEs

by Daniela M. Salvioni, Luisa Bosetti and Tommaso Fornasari

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 270; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010270 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4894

Abstract

The transition from a linear to a circular economy (CE) is at the center of the debate among institutions, enterprises, practitioners, and scholars. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with their high presence in the business environment, play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of CE principles. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the state of the CE among Italian SMEs, considering both their different sizes and sectors. This study investigates CE knowledge and application, strategic relevance, benefits from and barriers to the transition towards circular business models, and the use of CE-related performance indicators in management control and external reporting. Through an online survey carried out in cooperation with the Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (CNA), we collected primary data from 623 respondents. Findings revealed the existence of cultural, technological, market and financial barriers, which have hampered the adoption of circular practices among Italian SMEs. Poor understanding of CE potential, combined with difficulty in raising public and private funds to finance the transition from linear to circular, are the greatest problems. To overcome such issues, we recommend serious intervention by public institutions, trade and consumer associations, and the higher education system to develop a climate more favorable to the CE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

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19 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices, Competitive Capabilities, and Sustainable Performance: Moderating Role of Environmental Regulations

by Hazem Ali, Ting Chen and Yunhong Hao

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10051; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810051 - 08 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4178

Abstract

Research highlights the increasing engagement of SMEs in adopting sustainable practices to enhance their sustainable performance. This paper extends the current literature on sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) and SMEs’ sustainable performance by examining the mediating effect of competitive capabilities and the moderating impact of environmental regulation. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 288 manufacturing SMEs in China. Research findings using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) revealed that adopting SMPs enables SMEs to gain competitive capabilities and to positively influence their sustainable performance. In addition, gaining competitive capabilities have a positive mediating impact on the relationship between SMPs and SMEs’ sustainable performance. Further, the interaction between SMPs and environmental regulation strengthens SMEs’ sustainable performance. At the end of this paper, a set of concluding remarks and implications is drawn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

21 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Growth Variables by Industry Sectors and Their Influence on Changes in Business Models of SMEs in the Era of Digital Transformation

by Seok-Soo KIM

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7114; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13137114 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5847

Abstract

SMEs around the world are constantly under threats to their survival and sustainable growth. This study evaluated the variables influencing the sustainable growth of SMEs in the technological evolution of digital transformation. I propose a business model innovation strategy for the sustainable growth of SMEs. Furthermore, I evaluated the variables influencing growth by industry sector and present strategies for innovation in the business model. Data were collected from 205 CEOs in six sector industries in Korea, and I investigated the effect of variables that affected the company’s sustainability when introducing digital transformation. A partial least-squares regression was used for the statistical analysis and was performed using a data group analysis. I found that the SME performance varied by industry and that technological competency had a mediating effect. The variables that most affected the SME performance were management, technology, and technical competence in marketing and innovation. This research went beyond the limitations of studying only the effects of each of the previous literature variables through causal studies linking these variables. The variables affecting the performance of the industries were found to be different. By comparing the variables that led to a difference in performance in the industrial sector, I developed a business model innovation strategy that can affect the sustainable performance of SMEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

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23 pages, 4416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Business Model Innovations in the Value Uncaptured Manufacturing Industry: Fitting Gains—Gain Creators

by Burhan, Udisubakti Ciptomulyono, Moses Laksono Singgih and Imam Baihaqi

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5647; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13105647 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2700

Abstract

Increased manufacturing activity has an impact on environmental quality degradation. Waste generated from manufacturing activities is one of the causes. Previous studies have referred to this waste as value uncaptured. Minimizing value uncaptured is a solution to improve environmental quality. This study aims to reduce value uncaptured by converting it into value captured. This process requires a value proposition design approach because of its advantages. One of the advantages of this approach is that it can improve existing or future products/services. To do so, this research uses a case study of a furniture company. To implement a converting process, a sustainable business model is proposed to solve this problem. This business model combines several methods: value proposition design, house of value and the product sustainability index matrix. Recently, the existing value proposition problem-solving has been using the value proposition design method. This research proposed implementing a house of value to replace the fitting process. The questionnaire is developed to obtain various value uncaptured in the company. To the weight of the value uncaptured, this research utilized the pairwise comparison method. Then, the weights could represent the importance of jobs. Based on the highest weight of these jobs, the alternative gains would be selected. To provide the weight of the gain creators and value captured, the house of value method is developed. Referring to three pillars of sustainability, the value captured should be considered. This research proposed implementing a product sustainability index which in turn produces eco-friendly products. This study produces “eco-friendly products” as sustainability value captured. The sustainability business model could be an alternative policy to minimize the existence of value uncaptured. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models for SME’s Sustainability)

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