Interorganisational cooperation as a way of accessing green technologies for the integration of sustainable practices in SMEs

In implementing sustainable practices, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must adopt green technologies, but due to their limited resources, one possible strategy for accessing this type of technology is the formation of inter-organisational cooperation relationships. In this sense, this study aims to understand the motivations and how co-operation can facilitate the use of green technologies to implement sustainability practices in SMEs. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research approach was chosen, using 7 SMEs (cases) from different sectors of activity in a region in the interior of Portugal. The data collection technique used was document analysis and interviews with the owner-managers of the selected companies. From a content analysis, the results show the existence of awareness and commitment on the part of SMEs to the application of green technologies, and recognition of the importance of inter-organisational cooperation in order to access them. With the use of these green technologies, SMEs are more easily implementing sustainability practices in their business activities. With regard to the motivations for inter-organisational cooperation as a strategy for adopting green technologies, it was concluded that sharing knowledge and resources were the main reasons. This study also concludes that SMEs are aware that it is necessary to avoid waste, reduce costs, have a differentiated and environmentally friendly product, as well as being concerned about their image in the eyes of the target public and social responsibility. • The study advances knowledge about cooperation, green technologies and the SMEs sustainability. • The inter-organisational cooperation is interesting mechanism for sustainability in SMEs. • A framework is presented with the main motivations related to the green technologies and cooperation strategy. • This study lets governments and firms understand which main lines of further investigation.