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

Sinkovics, N. , Sinkovics, R. R. and Archie-Acheampong, J. (2021) Small- and medium-sized enterprises and sustainable development: In the shadows of large lead firms in global value chains. Journal of International Business Policy, 4(1), pp. 80-101. (doi: 10.1057/s42214-020-00089-z)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: sustainable development goals (SDGs), global value chains, small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational enterprises (MNEs), responsible business
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sinkovics, Professor Rudolf and Sinkovics, Dr Noemi
• Authors: Sinkovics, N., Sinkovics, R. R., and Archie-Acheampong, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Journal of International Business Policy
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 2522-0691
• ISSN (Online): 2522-0705
• Published Online: 11 February 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Academy of International Business
• First Published: First published in Journal of International Business Policy 4(1):80-101
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

Related URLs

• Social Science Research Network (SSRN)