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A Conceptual Framework for Assessing Sustainable Development in Regional SMEs

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  • Parisa Salimzadeh

    (Australian Institute of Business, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Jerry Courvisanos

    (Australian Institute of Business, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are significant regional development agents. Therefore, if SMEs adopt sustainability and regional economic strategies at the same time, it enables local communities to benefit from sustainable development, innovation and economic development in their regions. In the SME literature, there is a lack of appreciation of the sustainability issue and its connection with its local community. Bringing together the relevant literature, this paper develops a sustainability assessment framework for SMEs by providing the internal and external drivers and inhibitors affecting the adoption of social and environmental friendly practices in SMEs within the regional context. This framework can be used as a basis for application in regional development. It will also be a valuable tool for evaluation and monitoring of strategies for sustainability adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Parisa Salimzadeh & Jerry Courvisanos, 2015. "A Conceptual Framework for Assessing Sustainable Development in Regional SMEs," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(04), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jeapmx:v:17:y:2015:i:04:n:s1464333215500398
    DOI: 10.1142/S1464333215500398
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    References listed on IDEAS

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