Leveraging ChatGPT for Sustainability: A Framework for SMEs to Align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and tackle sustainable development challenges

Fonseca Luis (), Oliveira Eduardo, Pereira Teresa and Sá José Carlos
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Fonseca Luis: ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aerospace (LAETA-INEGI), Porto/Portugal
Oliveira Eduardo: Associate Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aerospace (LAETA-INEGI), Porto/Portugal
Pereira Teresa: ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aerospace (LAETA-INEGI), Porto/Portugal
Sá José Carlos: ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aerospace (LAETA-INEGI), Porto/Portugal

Management & Marketing, 2024, vol. 19, issue 3, 471-497

Abstract: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline a global agenda for sustainable development, but need more detailed implementation guidelines for businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Given their limited resources, SMEs face significant challenges in adopting sustainability practices aligned with the SDGs. This study explores the potential of ChatGPT, a large language model, to assist SMEs in overcoming these challenges. The research introduces a ChatGPT-aided framework through a novel methodological approach to help SMEs develop sustainability roadmaps, engage stakeholders, and identify key sustainability goals, risks, opportunities, and Key Process Indicators (KPIs). The case study of an SME in the electronic measurement equipment industry is used to validate the framework. The findings, corroborated by a Focus Group with the participation of academics and SME top managers, demonstrate the framework’s potential to enhance SME sustainability practices, contributing to academic discourse and offering practical insights that will inform and empower industry stakeholders. Furthermore, several actions are presented to respond to concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated recommendations. Finally, future research should seek to validate the proposed framework across a broader range of industries and SME contexts and assess this methodology’s application with organisations other than SMEs.

Keywords: ChatGPT; sustainable development; Sustainable Development Goals; stakeholders’ engagement; small and medium enterprises (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vrs:manmar:v:19:y:2024:i:3:p:471-497:n:1005

DOI: 10.2478/mmcks-2024-0021

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