Conceptualizing an interpretative framework for energy transition among Italian innovative small and medium enterprises

Energy transition (ET) is becoming essential for most countries worldwide. Companies can only adapt their behaviours to the objectives set by countries’ institutions. A new research stream has thus emerged, which investigates the factors facilitating ET among companies. To date, less attention has been paid to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). One of the greatest difficulties in examining SMEs is their extreme heterogeneity, making results difficult to interpret. This study analyses the factors supporting ET among a specific population of companies in a defined territorial context: the so-called innovative SMEs belonging to a special Italian database. The high propensity towards eco-environmental innovations characterizing these SMEs and their inclination towards sustainable development suggests that their experience represents a prospective path that policymakers could adopt for other types of SMEs. Through a partial least squares analysis of data collected from these SMEs, outcomes show that the only factor supporting the ET is the sensitivity of these economic organizations towards energy issues developed over time; that is, the corporate culture with regard to sustainability. This result is only seemingly surprising under the specific features of these SMEs. Conversely, it presupposes new implications regarding policy measures, questioning the traditional approach based on providing incentives and/or regulations. • The paper aims to explore the factors facilitating energy transition in innovative SMEs. • Innovative SMEs exhibit a greater inclination to invest in innovations and knowledge. • Survey data were analyzed using partial least squares modeling. • Corporate culture significantly affects investments in energy transition.