Research on the survival and sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises in China under the background of low-carbon economy

Abstract

Given the increase in energy consumption and pollution emissions, China has formulated a low-carbon economic development strategy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are mostly at the bottom of the industrial chain and face problems of high energy consumption and low output. The problems of survival and sustainable development of SMEs are serious under the background of low-carbon economy. SMEs play an important role in optimizing economic structure and social stability. Thus, studying the survival and sustainable development strategies of SMEs in China is necessary. This study adopts the method of market survey to perform the questionnaire design, sample selection, questionnaire issuance, and data analysis from three perspectives of policy, social, and internal environments of SMEs. This study summarizes seven factors, including financing and operation management, which restrict the survival and sustainable development of SMEs in China under the background of low-carbon economy. Moreover, this study proposes specific suggestions from internal and external environments.