Growth towards sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises

Growth towards sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises

The line of research Growth towards sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) is founded on the belief that sustainability is not an obligation for SME entrepreneurs, but a strategic opportunity to strengthen resilience, innovation, and societal value. We develop insights and practical perspectives that help entrepreneurs make sustainable choices within the complex reality of limited resources and evolving requirements.
By connecting practice-based research with entrepreneurial experiences, regional partners, and education, we build directly applicable knowledge that contributes to future-proof value creation. From this approach emerge the projects described below, which together support the transition towards a sustainable SME sector.

Within this line of research, we examine which factors encourage or hinder SME entrepreneurs in their sustainability efforts. We also study which resources, skills, and routines SME companies in a business-to-business context need to develop a sustainable value proposition and communicate it in an authentic and distinctive way, creating visible impact for the company, the customer, and society. Finally, we explore how local food suppliers can better connect with larger buyers, such as healthcare and knowledge institutions.