Is digital transformation the Deus ex Machina towards sustainability transition of the European SMEs?

被引:66
作者
Chatzistamoulou, Nikos [1 ,2 ,3 ]
机构
[1] Univ Ioannina, Dept Econ, Ioannina, Greece
[2] Univ Patras, Dept Econ, Patras, Greece
[3] Univ Ioannina, Dept Econ, Ioannina Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
关键词
Sustainability Transition & SMEs; Digital Transformation; Public Procurement Corruption Perceptions; Index Regulation & Institutions; European Union; ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE; FIRM PERFORMANCE; CIRCULAR ECONOMY; DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT; CORRUPTION; HETEROGENEITY; EFFICIENCY; DRIVERS; CONTEXT; IMPACT;
D O I
10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107739
中图分类号
Q14 [生态学(生物生态学)];
学科分类号
071012 ; 0713 ;
摘要
The 2030 Digital Compass aligned with the European Green Deal prioritize transparency through the digital transformation of the European SMEs paving the way to a more sustainable production paradigm. Thus, a twin transition is in motion facilitated by the New Industrial Strategy supporting the adoption of green business strategies across industrial ecosystems. This paper investigates whether the digital transformation and the de-cision to participate in public procurement as a transparent external funding source support adoption of business actions fostering sustainability transition. Data over more than 20,000 SMEs in the EU-28 over the period 2015-2019 complemented by country-specific attributes towards sustainability and institutional business envi-ronment are combined. Econometric results indicate that digital transformation fosters sustainability transition. Although participation in public tenders exerts a positive and systematic effect on the adoption of a sustainability supporting strategy, the two decisions appear independent indicating that SMEs are determined to shift the production paradigm irrespectively. Business operational problems affect but not deter sustainability transition. Business corruption in countries of low levels of sustainability impedes sustainable business actions, yet evidence favors higher transparency. The latter highlights the necessity towards building a coherent although adaptable institutional framework. This study contributes to SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 16.
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页数:13
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