Delineating a trajectory for progressive SMEs towards a sustainable future: a cluster-based approach

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are critical for the well-being and robustness of any economy. They account for more than 90% of firms and 50% of employment generated worldwide. Thus, they need to imbed sustainability in their operational construct to remain globally competitive and environmentally responsible. This work presents an 'enterprise success' framework comprising variables - entrepreneurial orientation, enterprise competitiveness and external environment. The commonality of attributes amongst the SMEs is examined to develop clusters exhibiting similar traits; thereby locating development strategies based on this cluster approach that positively impacts their performance. Cluster analysis is completed using the K-means clustering technique, identifying the homogeneous SME clusters based on various firm attributes. The cluster formation helps locate pertinent factors that impact the enterprise's long-term competitiveness, enabling the development of an innovative and strategic foresightedness for a sustainable future. The proposed framework offers managerial exhortations, highlighting the optimum solution transit strategy towards sustainability.