The Italian Sustainability SME Observatory, an advanced research initiative by the UCL School of Management with the support of KPMG Italy and Tecno, has published its first report. The document delves into how Italian small and medium-sized enterprises perceive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and identifies strategic opportunities for sustainable transformation.
The report conducted an in-depth analysis of the perception regarding ESG issues in Italian SMEs, in order to identify the essential needs to guide them towards sustainable and competitive practices. This guidance is crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and remaining competitive in the global market.
Key report findings:
- Increasing Commitment: Italian SMEs view ESG issues as essential for their future development, emphasising the strategic importance of such practices.
- Impact on Performance: There is a recognized direct link between ESG practices and improved long-term business performance.
- Goals and Challenges: Italian SMEs face significant challenges in implementing ESG criteria, mainly due to a lack of reliable data, adequate resources, and regulatory complexities. Understanding and applying sustainable knowledge is crucial to overcoming these obstacles and capitalising on emerging opportunities.
- Future Perspectives: There is strong consensus on the increasing focus on sustainability, which is seen as crucial for continued success.
- Key Actions: To overcome existing barriers and seize opportunities, it is essential to strengthen ESG competencies, adopt advanced analytical tools, and integrate sustainable practices into the core business.
Professor Paolo Taticchi, Head of the Observatory:
“Analysing the perception of SMEs on ESG issues and understanding the challenges allows us to identify opportunities to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Italian businesses. This study provides a foundation to strengthen their position and impact in the global market.”
View the first ESG report by The Italian SME Observatory.
About UCL School of Management
UCL School of Management is the business school of University College London, one of the world’s leading universities, consistently ranked in the global top 20 for its academic excellence and research. The School undertakes world-leading research and offers innovative undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and executive programmes in Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, and Finance, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the next generation of innovation-intensive organisations.
About Tecno
Tecno is a SustainTech company specializing in offering technological solutions and consulting in the field of economic, environmental, and social sustainability for businesses. Today, it provides a range of services and projects that guide SMEs towards digital and sustainable transformation, both in Italy and abroad.
About KPMG Italia
KPMG is a global network of professional services firms leading in Audit, Advisory, and Tax & Legal services. Present in 143 countries worldwide with over 273,000 professionals, KPMG combines global coverage with an understanding of the needs of businesses at a national level.
In Italy, KPMG is deeply rooted in the national economic and productive fabric, with around 6,000 professionals, 25 offices, over 6,000 clients, and an integrated portfolio of services that address the main priorities of businesses of all sizes and sectors.
For more information on the report or for any inquiries, please contact:
Contact details:
Antimo Matano
UCL School of Management
Phone: +39 3891113389 / Email: a.matano@ucl.ac.uk
Salvatore Amitrano
Tecno
Phone: +39 335 142 0881 / Email: s.amitrano@tecnocapital.it
Marco Maffei/ Constantino Christoyannis
KPMG Italia
Phone: +39 347 3860291 / Email: mmaffei@kpmg.it; cchristoyannis@kpmg.it