Analysis of the Attitudes of Central European Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises towards Adaptation to the Low-Carbon Economy and Its Implementation Barriers

As developed regions explore avenues to enhance their industries in order to become climate-neutral, numerous studies have identified distinct factors that may hinder the shift towards a low-carbon economy. The objective of our research was to pinpoint key barriers to adaptation to a low-carbon economy among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of Central Europe from the viewpoint of the company’s structure. The aim was to examine whether attitudes towards barriers to adaptation to a low-carbon economy represent a key factor that prevents the faster and more effective uptake of such adaptations by SMEs. Both the industrial and service sectors were considered. A quantitative data collection method, CATI, was employed. Using our methodology, we applied a non-parametric testing procedure, specifically, the Kruskal–Wallis test, to compare more than two independent samples, together with the Mann–Whitney U test. Through this analysis, it was found that companies regard the uncertainty of return on investment and its payback period as the most serious barrier to adaption to a low-carbon economy. Meanwhile, the lack of cooperation with research institutions and universities is perceived as the least important barrier. Companies are critical of existing regulations for adaptation to the low-carbon economy, which do not provide incentives for companies, though sole traders consider this an insignificant barrier. The shift towards a low-carbon economy is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Understanding the initial motivational variables can significantly contribute to the process of transition towards the use of renewable energy sources by companies, regardless of their size or sector.