Open Access
Article
SciPap-2086
Digitalisation as a tool to enhance eco-efficiency measures: A systematic literature review
by
Sara Majid 1,* 
1 School of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No.28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710049, China
* Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract: Digitalisation has become a key process for companies to improve their sustainability, yet a clear overview of the challenges and achievements within European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) regarding digitalisation is still lacking in the literature, making it difficult to identify research gaps or quantify the impact digitalisation has on the European SME market. This paper examines digitalisation as an enabler for European SMEs to improve their environmental sustainability and specifically considers the implementation of eco-efficiency measures such as waste reduction and waste management and thus confirms whether digitalisation can enhance eco-efficiency measures or not within European SMEs. The study is based on a bibliometric analysis followed by a systematic literature review. In particular, it first synthesizes the existing state-of-the-art research and summarizes theoretical frameworks, to explain main themes and gaps in the literature published from the year 2020. Selected articles focusing on European SMEs and digitalisation practices in the context of eco-efficiency are revised in detail. This review identifies common challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation in the context of European SMEs while offering pathways to address the research gaps.
Keywords: Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes), Environmental Sustainability, Europe, Digitalisation Eco-Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Energy Efficiency
JEL classification: C80 - General, L26 - Entrepreneurship, L86 - Information and Internet Services • Computer Software, M15 - IT Management, O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and &, Q56 - Environment and Development • Environment and Trade • Sustainability • Environmental Accounts and Accounting • Environmental Equity • Population Growth
Received: 1 June 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 6 November 2024
