Arthur D. Little’s Post

How can sustainable SME growth be accelerated in Southeast Asia (SEA) in an uncertain business environment? We discuss here: https://lnkd.in/gTAPFyQ7 #sustainability #SMEs #economy

🌏 The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (#APEC) is evaluating #publicinvestment in #sustainability as one of the priority issues in the meetings prior to the Leaders' Summit. Sustainability is a crucial aspect in the #development of #publicpolicies to ensure #economicstability and combat the negative effects of #climatechange. 📊During these meetings, the importance of mobilizing resources from both the public and private sectors to address the challenges related to climate change is highlighted. ♻️This is the first time that Finance Ministers of APEC member economies consider public investment in sustainability as a priority. This approach represents a significant step forward, as historically there have been difficulties in attracting resources to address sustainability issues. The willingness of public sector ministries to address this issue demonstrates a renewed commitment to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. 💡In addition, APEC provides a valuable space for interaction among member economies, promoting regional economic #integration and #competitiveness. #trade #publicsector #apec2024 #sustainablebusiness #asiapacific

As we commemorate the 2024 International Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, we are just six years from the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s MSMEs Day theme is centered on leveraging the Power and Resilience of MSMEs to accelerate sustainable development and eradicate poverty in times of multiple crises. The MSMEs sector represents over 90 percent of all businesses globally, it is imperative for it to adapt to the global macro environment challenges presented by changing economies, technological developments, and social and political paradigms. Many countries continue to face a range of unique and interconnected development challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, constrained fiscal space, obstacles to accessing new sources of development and climate financing, and conflicts. These valuable strategies will help MSMEs adapt to the macro-economic challenges🌍: 🤝 Collaboration: pooling resources with other MSMEs can lead to cost savings. Joint ventures or shared clean energy projects can be beneficial. 🏛 Government Incentives: explore government subsidies, tax breaks, and grants related to clean energy adoption. These can offset initial investment costs. ⏺ Diversification: MSMEs should diversify their markets and supply chains. Overreliance on a single market or supplier can be risky. 📝 Scenario Planning: regularly assess geopolitical risks and create contingency plans. Understand how changes in trade policies, sanctions, or political instability could impact your business. 👩🏫 Collaborate with Experts: seek advice from geopolitical experts or consultants to stay informed about global developments. This could meaningfully contribute innovative solutions to the challenges of our time and drive forward inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

The narrative around African business success is evolving. While profitability remains vital, companies recognize that true prosperity comes from creating positive social and environmental impact alongside financial gains. This shift towards sustainable business practices is not only good for the planet and society, but it's also a driver of long-term growth. This article explores how African businesses are embracing sustainability and its positive impact on the continent's future. #Africa #Sustainability #ProsperityPartner #ESG #VentureBuilding #trium

❓ Did you know that small and medium-sized companies make up 90% of businesses globally, employ 70% of the world's workforce, and contribute over 50% of global GDP? Given their agility and potential for innovation in supply chains, and wide sectoral spread, these businesses with under 500 employees are vital to global efforts to deliver the #netzero transition. The good news is that SMEs are stepping up to the challenge. According to the newly launched 2024 SME Climate Hub annual survey, 44% of SMEs saw reducing emissions as a higher priority this year compared to last year, and a further 53% maintained reducing emissions at the same priority level as last year. 🔗 See the survey results from the We Mean Business Coalition initiative in full here (https://bit.ly/3Ucbhzq) Despite these positive strides, SMEs still face barriers to taking climate action, including a lack of policies and government-sponsored benefits, insufficient funding, a shortage of data about current emissions, a lack of time, and a lack of skills and knowledge. That's why support from governments, industry groups, and financial institutions is crucial. Find out more in my edie op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/eq36nZD8 #SME #ClimateAction 

EBRD released a new report - "Transitions big and small". This report examines the ways in which the deep structural transformation of the global economy is impacting the lives, livelihoods and living conditions of people across the EBRD regions. It focuses on important “big transitions” such as the shift towards a sustainable economy, the reconfiguration of global supply chains, and the scramble for the raw materials required by the digital and green economies. In terms of major transitions, the report emphasises that greening the economy will require a rapid and large-scale rollout of clean technologies, the success of which will depend on access to critical raw materials and the availability of the necessary green skills in the labour market. #transition #europeanunion #globaleconomy

📣 Calling all social economy SMEs and intermediary organizations in energy-intensive sectors! 📣 SEE BRIDGE, coordinated by IMMIB - Istanbul Minerals and Metals Exporters Association and funded by the EU's Single Market Program, aims to empower social economy SMEs and entrepreneurs to innovate and scale up their green efforts in alignment with the EU Green Deal. 🌱💡 How? Through international and sectoral cooperation, online surveys, and tailored consulting programs, we're identifying the exact needs of SE SMEs and intermediaries. ➡️ If you're an SE SME in an energy-intensive industry, fill out our survey here: https://lnkd.in/dDvfBEeA ➡️ If you're an intermediary organization in the same sector, share your insights here: https://lnkd.in/dp7VFRaU Your input will directly shape our capacity-building efforts and pave the way for a more sustainable future. 🌟 Hurry! Your responses are invaluable and will be accepted until the end of the week. Let's work together towards a climate-neutral economy! 🌐💚 #SEEbridge #EUGreenDeal #Sustainability #ClimateAction #SocialEconomy #GreenTransformation

The Green SME Dilemma – Costly Burden Or A Growth Opportunity? Amidst escalating economic and environmental challenges, SMEs stand at a pivotal crossroads. The latest report by Novuna Business Finance delves into the dilemma SMEs face: balancing sustainability with financial stability. With 71% of SMEs viewing sustainability as a growth opportunity, the report reveals how green initiatives can reduce carbon footprints and drive business growth. Featuring diverse sectors—from bakeries to real estate—discover real-life success stories of SMEs integrating sustainability https://buff.ly/3ynuxSB #Sustainability #SMEs #BusinessGrowth #NetZero #GreenBusiness #SustainableFuture #NovunaBusinessFinance

SMEs unquestionably play a critical role in global economies and are therefore an essential component of the sustainability transformation taking place in the global business community. This article explores 4 challenges and opportunities for supporting small businesses in sustainability. Link in the comments... #accountancyrecruitment #SME

European Business Summit, Economist How can SMEs innovate and compete in a volatile economic environment? The European economy continues to face significant challenges, although it has proven more resilient than many expected. Among other factors, geopolitical instability, imbalance in the energy and raw material supply and the rise of protectionism shape an unpredictable landscape. At the same time, Greece’s economy is bouncing back achieving growth rates above the euro zone’s average. Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key driver in the country’s effort to fully recover the lost ground following the crisis of the former decade. The challenges regarding the implementation of the necessary reforms and the volatility of the international environment are testing the resilience of the Greek market. #greenenergy #greentech #greentransition #greeninnovation #inclusivity #resilience #sustainability