Driving sustainability: how FinTech transforms SDG performance in SMEs

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of FinTech services by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their performance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research explores the role of performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and experience in shaping SMEs’ intention to adopt FinTech solutions. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a Likert-based questionnaire to collect data whereas structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for hypothesis testing and analysis. This study has identified through Bureau van Dijk the all the Italian Innovative SMEs (n. 2,197). Findings The results indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and effort expectancy significantly and positively affect SMEs’ intention to adopt FinTech services. Furthermore, experience with digital technologies enhances this relationship, emphasizing the importance of digital readiness in leveraging FinTech for SDG-related performance. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to link FinTech adoption with SDG performance in SMEs, applying UTAUT to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing technology acceptance in sustainability-focused business practices.