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Is digital transformation the Deus ex Machina towards sustainability transition of the European SMEs?
[journal article]
Abstract
The 2030 Digital Compass aligned with the European Green Deal prioritize transparency through the digital transformation of the European SMEs paving the way to a more sustainable production paradigm. Thus, a twin transition is in motion facilitated by the New Industrial Strategy supporting the adopt... view more
The 2030 Digital Compass aligned with the European Green Deal prioritize transparency through the digital transformation of the European SMEs paving the way to a more sustainable production paradigm. Thus, a twin transition is in motion facilitated by the New Industrial Strategy supporting the adoption of green business strategies across industrial ecosystems. This paper investigates whether the digital transformation and the decision to participate in public procurement as a transparent external funding source support adoption of business actions fostering sustainability transition. Data over more than 20,000 SMEs in the EU-28 over the period 2015-2019 complemented by country-specific attributes towards sustainability and institutional business environment are combined. Econometric results indicate that digital transformation fosters sustainability transition. Although participation in public tenders exerts a positive and systematic effect on the adoption of a sustainability supporting strategy, the two decisions appear independent indicating that SMEs are determined to shift the production paradigm irrespectively. Business operational problems affect but not deter sustainability transition. Business corruption in countries of low levels of sustainability impedes sustainable business actions, yet evidence favors higher transparency. The latter highlights the necessity towards building a coherent although adaptable institutional framework. This study contributes to SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 16.... view less
Keywords
sustainability; sustainable development; digitalization; public tasks; small business; middle class; management planning; environmental protection; climate protection; corruption; EU; EU member state; institution; regulation; Eurobarometer
Classification
Ecology, Environment
Management Science
Free Keywords
digital transformation; public procurement; Corruption Perceptions Index; Flash Eurobarometer 428 (ZA6650 v1.0.0); Flash Eurobarometer 457 (ZA6918 v1.0.0); Flash Eurobarometer 482 (ZA7628 v1.0.0)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 1-13
Journal
Ecological Indicators, 206 (2023)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107739
ISSN
0921-8009
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Creative Commons - Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0