Sustainability in Dutch SME: Progress and Tools for the Sustainability Transition

Sustainable Development has become a core discussion, and the corporate world plays a major role in leading change towards sustainable practices. While MNCs are the focus of research and provision of sustainability tools, SMEs are often overlooked. SMEs, however, constitute the majority of companies in all industrialized as well as developing countries, being an integral part of the overall value chain in almost any industry and an indispensable part of a country’s growth.

Currently, most SMEs have yet to implement sustainability practices to minimize the impacts of their business activity. Therefore, academic research and practical tools need to be adapted and provided for SMEs. Global Compact Network Netherlands aims to develop such a tool for Dutch SMEs and seeks to receive first-hand insights to consider tailoring the tool towards the needs of SMEs.

The Round Table will discuss the actual status of sustainability in Dutch SMEs and give SMEs the possibility to express their ideas for the creation of a sustainability tool designed for SMEs.

Key Discussion Topics

During the Round Table, the participants will be analyzing the sustainability and tools for SMEs from different angles, answering these questions and beyond:

• What is the current state of the sustainability transition of Dutch SMEs?
• What are the drivers and barriers for increasing the sustainability of SMEs?
• How should an SME tailored sustainability tool be designed?

Round Table Set Up

All attendees are matched in round table group(s) to participate in a discussion about sustainability in SMEs. The discussion will be carried out in virtual room(s), for which you will receive a link before-hand.