Small- and medium-sized enterprises and sustainable development: In the shadows of large lead firms in global value chains

Noemi Sinkovics (), Rudolf Sinkovics () and Jason Archie-Acheampong ()
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Noemi Sinkovics: The University of Auckland
Jason Archie-Acheampong: Rush Group Limited

Journal of International Business Policy, 2021, vol. 4, issue 1, No 5, 80-101

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the potential contribution of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and derive implications for policymakers based on the insights. Our findings indicate that despite their comparatively smaller size, SMEs can contribute significantly to the achievement of the SDGs. We conclude that both lead firms and policymakers need to take a more differentiated approach in their interactions with SMEs. Instead of universally regarding smaller firms as standard takers, lead firms and policymakers need to acknowledge that they can make a significant contribution to standard-setting and standard-adapting efforts. Consequently, SMEs need to be regarded as an important resource in multi-stakeholder initiatives regarding the SDGs.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); global value chains; small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); multinational enterprises (MNEs); responsible business; flexible pattern matching (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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DOI: 10.1057/s42214-020-00089-z

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