Sustainable development goals and sme decisions: The czech republic vs. poland

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a “major engine” of economic growth and socioeconomic development and the achievement of numerous sustainable development goals (SDG). They should make SDGs a prominent selling point to demonstrate why consumers should buy from them to reduce waste and enhance recycling. If a consumer sees an SME engaged in the SDGs (goals 8, 9, and 12), it will be motivated to offer further support. Given these facts, the paper compares the Czech and Polish approaches to the circular economy by means of quantitative evaluation based on primary research (Czechia, 210 respondents) and qualitative context comparison in Poland. The research has confirmed that there are differences in both countries in relation to sustainable development goals, with SME decisions in the Czech SME sector being at level 1.0 of business sustainability, and in Poland being below level 1. Additionally, Czech entrepreneurs have more knowledge of and practice in “green” methods than their Polish counterparts.