Innovation, technology and sustainable transition: Insights from Italian SMEs

Massimiliano Mazzanti (), Alessandro Montanaro (), Fabiola Onofrio () and Emy Zecca ()
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Massimiliano Mazzanti: Università degli studi di Ferrara
Alessandro Montanaro: Università degli studi di Ferrara
Fabiola Onofrio: Università degli studi di Ferrara
Emy Zecca: Università degli studi di Ferrara

No 1225, SEEDS Working Papers from SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies

Abstract: This work investigates sustainability-oriented innovation among Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the broader context of the European twin transition toward sustainability and digitalization. Based on survey data from 740 manufacturing firms, it analyses the diffusion of research and development activities, digital technologies, and circular economy practices across firm sizes and regions. The results reveal a persistent dualism: medium and large firms, mostly located in northern regions, show higher levels of innovation and digital adoption, while smaller firms remain limited by financial and structural constraints. Circular innovation largely focuses on efficiency measures, whereas advanced strategies such as eco-design remain rare. Digitalization acts as both a driver and an enabler of sustainable transformation but progresses unevenly across territories.

Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2025-12, Revised 2025-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-ent, nep-eur, nep-sbm and nep-tid
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http://www.sustainability-seeds.org/papers/RePec/srt/wpaper/1225.pdf First version, 2025 (application/pdf)
http://www.sustainability-seeds.org/papers/RePec/srt/wpaper/1225.pdf Revised version, 2025 (application/pdf)

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