Speaker
Description
Sustainable Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in driving inclusive growth and ecological transition. Their business models, rooted in environmental and social responsibility, often emphasize local sourcing, renewable energy, and resource efficiency. This study investigates how these characteristics influence their capacity to remain resilient during periods of crisis—such as inflation, pandemics, or supply chain disruptions. While their embeddedness in local ecosystems and circular practices may offer structural advantages, sustainable SMEs also face specific constraints, including limited scalability, higher input costs, and financial fragility. Through qualitative research conducted with a sample of sustainable SMEs in Morocco, this study uncovers the adaptive strategies used to maintain operations, preserve value, and sustain mission-driven activities amid economic shocks. The findings highlight a dual reality: sustainability-driven resilience is both a strength and a vulnerability, depending on the broader economic and institutional context. The paper contributes to a better understanding of crisis management within sustainable entrepreneurship and offers policy recommendations to support green innovation and long-term viability in uncertain environments.
