Ecological Initiatives and Their Influence on the Competitiveness and Sustainability of Companies: “Green” Strategies of SMEs

Contemporary entrepreneurship in the Republic of Kazakhstan is increasingly confronted with the imperative to integrate environmentally sustainable practices to ensure a balance between economic development and environmental responsibility. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in this process, serving as engines of economic activity and influencing the ecological landscape. This research aims to assess the environmental sustainability of SMEs in Kazakhstan to analyze trends in the adoption of “green” strategies and the implementation of energy-saving technologies. To achieve this objective, survey methods were employed among entrepreneurs and enterprise managers, utilizing structured questionnaires, along with the analysis of statistical data. The findings of the research on the ecological resilience of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in Kazakhstan indicate a significant prevalence and comprehension of the concept of “green” strategies among enterprises within this sector. The high level of awareness among respondents regarding environmental issues and their readiness to implement environmentally sustainable practices attests to the potential of SMEs for active participation in sustainable development. The increasing utilization of energy-saving technologies in SMEs demonstrates a positive trend in environmental efficiency and an enhanced awareness among enterprises regarding energy efficiency and resource optimization. This may lead to a reduction in the ecological footprint of SMEs and an increase in their competitiveness in the market. Improvements in environmental conservation, such as reducing emissions and increasing the proportion of waste recycling, serve as positive signals regarding SMEs’ contribution to environmental preservation. This indicates the success of environmental management programs and sustainable production development in this sector. The obtained research results serve as an informational resource for the development and implementation of “green” strategies in their enterprises, contributing to enhancing their competitiveness and resilience. They provide an opportunity to identify enterprises with high resilience potential and environmental responsibility for investment, thus promoting the development of green investment in the region. Additionally, they may serve as a basis for the development of effective environmental policies and incentive measures to support enterprises implementing green practices.