Twin Green and Digital Transition: Unlocking Sustainability and Growth for SMEs
CASE STUDY BY HAARLEM CAMPUS RESEARCH & INNOVATION LAB
In our pursuit of knowledge and innovation, our dedicated team will dig deep and find practical ways for SMEs to transition into environmentally friendly practices and embrace the digital revolution. We believe that by doing this, we can help them thrive in today’s world and make a positive impact on our environment.
As we delve into the vast realms of exploration, one of our primary focuses will revolve around conducting applied research on the pivotal subjects of the green and digital transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Through our hands-on investigations, we’ll gather valuable insights and come up with smart strategies to guide SMEs on their green and digital journey.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Sustainable Transformation
The green and digital transition is to assist SMEs in becoming more sustainable using climate neutral resources and decrease the use of waste, water, and energy. This can only be realized by the application of digital tools to plan, measure, analyze, and monitor the use of resources.
The digital and sustainable transition can help these companies with cost savings, can provide competitive advantages, and offers opportunities for the development of new products and services.
European Union's Commitment to a Sustainable and Digital Future
The so-called Twin Digital and Green transition has been adopted by the European Union in 2021 as part of its European SME strategy en the European Green Deal, which aims to use climate-neutral resources and an efficient digital economy in European SMEs.
Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs in the Green and Circular Economy
The transition towards greener business or the circular economy is a major challenge for most SMEs. Even though awareness has risen during the pandemic, part of the challenge is that little is known about the key challenges and opportunities for SMEs.
Similarly, the transition towards more data-driven and sustainable business has started but is still in its initial stage as far as Small and Medium Enterprises are concerned.
Municipality of Haarlem's Interest in Supporting SMEs' Transition
The research agenda also aligns with the interest of the Municipality Haarlem to gain a better understanding of the challenges and possible opportunities in the field of the digital and sustainable transition of SMEs in the Region Haarlem.
Additional understanding of these challenges will enable the Municipality to make better policy decisions in the field of support in innovation and investment programs in which the local government participates.
Synergies with Haarlem Campus Programs: Bridging Academia and Industry
Finally, the research directly feeds into the Haarlem Campus Bachelor program Digital Transformation Management and the newly developed Master programs Toegepast duurzaamheidsmanagement and Leadership for Digital Transformation.
Researchers
MSc. Arjan Rensma
MSc. Arjan Rensma is Program Director of the Master Program Applied Sustainability Management at Haarlem Campus and owner-founder of Sustainnovate Today, Engagement officer at the Association of Investors for Sustainable Development and conducts research for Invest-NL on Circular Venture Development. He has received a MBSc in Strategic and Marketing Management at the Erasmus University
Prof. Dr. Stijn van der Krogt
Prof. Dr. Stijn van der Krogt is Chief Internationalization Officer at SRH Higher Education and owner-founder of Changing Values International. He publishes on various topics including SMes, innovation, entrepreneurship, business intelligence and machine learning. He received his Doctorate in Economics and Econometrics at the University of Amsterdam. For an overview his research please check
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