Balancing Barriers and Enablers: Swedish SMEs' Journey Toward Contributing to SDGs

Gyulnara Yunusbayeva, Hanna Helene Pohl, Jens Martin Hjelmberg and Waheed Akbar Bhatti

Business Strategy and the Environment, 2025, vol. 34, issue 8, 9605-9619

Abstract: Swedish multinational SMEs contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) by implementing various business processes and practices that are internal and external to the organization. However, research related to SDGs and business practices contributing to their implementation often focuses on large enterprises, whereas small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) receive limited attention. By addressing the scarce literature, this study investigates the barriers and enablers Swedish multinational SMEs face when contributing to SDGs through their operations. A qualitative, multicase study involving six multinational SMEs in Sweden was conducted using an abductive approach and thematic analysis. The findings revealed several barriers and enablers that SMEs face when implementing practices and processes to contribute to achieving the SDGs. Some factors, such as the alignment of objectives, company and owner incentives, assessment of implemented practices and processes, government incentives, knowledge and competence, time, collaboration, and partnerships, functioned as both barriers and enablers. However, some factors serve more as barriers rather than enablers. It includes adaptability, reporting, standardization, and tools. Meanwhile, certain factors primarily acted as enablers, including legislation, willingness to change, internal alignment, long‐term perspective, and transparency. The results were compared with recent research, revealing similarities and discrepancies. The significant contribution of this study is that it provides a roadmap to SDG contribution organized in step‐by‐step actionable recommendations for policymakers and managers that can be efficiently applied to SMEs.

Date: 2025
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