ESG-Related Innovations in Bulgarian SMEs: Current Status and Future Directions

Yanitca Dimitrova

Economic Studies journal, 2026, issue 7, 20-42

Abstract: The article examines the theoretical basis for the importance of Environment, Social Governance (ESG)-related innovations in the context of corporate culture and economic performance in Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The research finds that ESG-related innovations are insufficiently implemented in these enterprises. It identifies major barriers, including limited resources and a lack of expertise, and highlights that businesses that are more engaged with ESG practices show improved competitiveness. The article also analyses the strategies used to enhance performance and the role of partnerships. Based on a survey of 344 company leaders and a micro-enterprise case study, the findings show that embracing ESG-related innovations can create development opportunities in a turbulent environment. The article concludes with recommendations for adopting a culture of socially responsible innovation and related management practices.

JEL-codes: M14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://archive.econ-studies.iki.bas.bg/2026/2026_07/2026_07_02.pdf

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bas:econst:y:2026:i:7:p:20-42

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Economic Studies journal from Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Diana Dimitrova ().