SMEs at the Center of Public-Private Dialogue: Priorities for a Sustainable Future

The Spanish Global Compact Network recently organized a key meeting that brought together ten prominent SMEs with representatives from the public administration to discuss the needs and challenges these companies face in the current context. The conversation was led by Cristina Sánchez, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact in Spain, accompanied by Jordi García Brustenga, Director General of Industrial Strategy and SMEs at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, and Yolanda Alcalá, Deputy Director General of Entrepreneurship and SMEs. This dialogue not only centered on SMEs but also provided them with a platform to voice their priorities as key players in the business ecosystem.

Purpose of the Meeting

The main purpose of the meeting was to create a space where SMEs could directly engage with representatives from the public administration, identifying and prioritizing the needs of these companies to accelerate their transition towards sustainability and improve their competitiveness in the market. In an increasingly demanding environment in terms of regulations and sustainable practices, the support of public administration is crucial for SMEs to face these challenges.

Key Points Discussed: Priorities of SMEs

During the meeting, the participating SMEs highlighted three fundamental priorities they consider essential for public administration to provide more effective support:

Training as a Strategic Pillar

Cristina Sánchez emphasized the importance of intensifying sustainability training within SMEs. Although 65% of these companies already offer some type of training, only 4 out of 10 train their management teams in this area. The need for public administration to provide more resources and training tools tailored to the specific needs of each sector was underscored.

Support for Regulatory Adaptation

Another central topic was the need to facilitate the adaptation of SMEs to new sustainability regulations. With only 18% of these companies having a dedicated sustainability department, SMEs called for a more accessible regulatory framework that simplifies bureaucratic barriers and encourages the attainment of voluntary certifications.

Sustainability as a Cornerstone of Business Relations

Jordi García Brustenga highlighted the transversal role SMEs play in the economy and how it is crucial for them to develop long-term sustainability strategies. Currently, only 28% of SMEs have a strategy in this area, underscoring the need for greater support from public administration to fully integrate these companies into the sustainable economy.

Current Areas of Work by the Public Administration

During the meeting, Jordi García Brustenga and Yolanda Alcalá presented some of the main areas of work of the public administration in relation to SMEs. These include increasing the positive impact of companies and strengthening the resilience of supply chains. Both reiterated their commitment to making sustainability a distinctive feature of SMEs, contributing not only to their competitiveness but also to generating a positive impact both economically and environmentally.

SME Commitment to Sustainability

The meeting also allowed for an analysis of the growing commitment of Spanish SMEs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to recent data, 87.8% of SMEs are already implementing concrete actions that contribute to sustainable development. Notable areas of focus include gender equality, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and responsible consumption and production.

Key Participants

The companies that participated in this important dialogue include:

• Agroamb Prodalt S.L.
• Compañía Española de Financiación del Desarrollo, Cofides, S.A. S.M.E.
• Finsolutia, S.L.U.
• Grupo Femxa Formación y Empleo S.L.
• Mas Business
• Omawa Huella Ecológica S.L.
• Recover Textile Systems, S.L.
• Revenga Smart Solutions
• Transportes de Vehículos Boada, S.L.U.
• Trueworld Organization S.L.

Strengthening Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

This meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between SMEs and public administration in building a sustainable and competitive future. As we move towards a greener world, it is essential that all parties work together to overcome challenges and seize the opportunities that arise in this transition.