External stakeholders are critical in enabling SMEs to achieve environmental sustainability. Yet, despite the growing availability of sustainability support, SME engagement remains limited. This article addresses significant gaps in the SME sustainability literature by mapping the support ecosystem and explaining why available sustainability resources are so underutilized. Drawing on resource dependence theory (RDT) and institutional theory (IT), we analyse 47 interviews and two focus groups with UK SMEs and support providers, revealing (i) latent and reverse dependencies, (ii) institutional and structural barriers and (iii) strategic inaction weakening engagement. Our findings advance RDT by shifting attention from dependency formation to the mechanisms that hinder it, offering a novel conceptual lens on how support relationships can be activated. This study combines academic rigour with practical relevance, providing actionable insights for policymakers and intermediaries seeking to strengthen SME–stakeholder interactions and accelerate sustainability adoption and carbon reduction efforts in line with the net‐zero agenda.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fona et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: