Portuguese SMEs and the SDG Agenda : a contribution on how to deliver implementation

: a contribution on how to deliver implementation

Abstract

Integrating the UN Agenda 2030 and the respective SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)into the business core strategy has been a relevant topic of discussion and differentiation opportunity for firms that could potentially result in improvements towards the many different spheres (economic, social, environmental, etc.) these goals encompass. However, while the clock is ticking, it doesn’t look so easy for businesses to do the right thing. There are some successful cases and through the responses from a survey conducted by the “Observatório ODS nas Empresas Portuguesas” and the crossing of prior academic literature, this study aims to examine the characteristics and behaviors adopted by the SMEs that are leading this run in Portugal with the final hope of getting some lights for the other companies in need. After testing the main characteristics and barriers, results show that even the Portuguese companies that most succeeded in the implementation of the SDGs still don’t have consolidated processes and are implementing a step­by­step approach. In order to mitigate that, based on the good case practices collected, a more solid path was constructed for the SDGs’ implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises in Portugal.

Date of Award	24 Jan 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Moreira da Cruz (Supervisor)