Investigating green jobs and sustainability in SMEs: Beyond business operations

Through Resource Based View (RBV) lenses, this research examines what influences the implementation of sustainable practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on resource efficiency and green jobs. Drawing upon the resource-based view theory, the study aims to uncover the drivers behind SMEs' engagement in sustainable practices. Cluster analysis and multinomial logit techniques were employed using the Flash Eurobarometer (498) 2022 database, encompassing 6,268 observations across 36 European countries. The findings reveal four distinct clusters of SMEs based on their implemented sustainable practices: minimum waste minimisation, low energy-saving focus, intermediate recycling prioritisation, and advanced resource-saving practices encompassing water, energy, and materials. The results emphasise the significance of investments in resource efficiency and the employment of green jobs in shaping SMEs' sustainable practices. This research underscores the critical role of financial and human resources working together to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability in SMEs, thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable practices in the SME sector.