Pro-environmental enterprise support: Developing a framework to unlock the potential of SMEs in sustainability transitions.

Journal article


Gallotta, B., Baranova, P. and Paterson, F. 2024. Pro-environmental enterprise support: Developing a framework to unlock the potential of SMEs in sustainability transitions. Local Economy: The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit. pp. 1-40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094224123797
AuthorsGallotta, B., Baranova, P. and Paterson, F.
Abstract

Although entrepreneurship is well recognised as a crucial element in fostering economic development and growth, it is yet to be viewed as a significant force in sustainability transitions. Public policy related to the performance and growth of small businesses has, to date, paid little attention to the support mechanisms that help SMEs build capacity towards sustainable development. This paper offers a framework of pro-environmental enterprise support developed through a two-round e-Delphi study, followed by a 2.5-hour virtual focus group involving 21 experts across the spectrum of business support agencies, local authorities, and EU-funded projects delivering pro-environmental enterprise support in England. The findings indicate that support for pro-environmental SME capacity building includes attention to; eco-innovation, environmental strategy, environmental capability development, responsible leadership, sustainable value proposition, greening of supply chains, and clean growth skills. The study also concludes that support programmes and interventions need to be more attuned to the specifics of entrepreneurial learning; the challenges small business face in accessing, capturing, and utilising resources; and that broadening the scope and reach of pro-environmental support programmes needs to be matched by the competences of business support professionals.

KeywordsEnterprise Support; Sustainability Transition; Entrepreneurial Learning; Delphi study; SMEs
Year2024
JournalLocal Economy: The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit
Journal citationpp. 1-40
PublisherSAGE Publications
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094224123797
Web address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02690942241237977
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online05 Mar 2024
Publication process dates
Deposited13 Mar 2024
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