Overcoming sustainability adoption barriers in manufacturing SMEs : the role of collaboration

This thesis examines how collaborative engagements with external organisations can support manufacturing SMEs in overcoming barriers to sustainability adoption. Despite growing awareness of the strategic importance of sustainability, SMEs face challenges such as limited internal resources and inadequate support structures. In this context, collaboration emerges as a valuable mechanism to help address these limitations by bridging capability gaps and providing practical guidance for navigating sustainability. The study is guided by the following research question: How can collaborative engagements with external organisations help manufacturing SMEs address sustainability barriers? To investigate this, a qualitative research design was applied, including in-depth interviews with seven Swiss manufacturing SMEs and three supporting organisations. An analytical framework, developed from existing collaboration and sustainability literature, guided the analysis of the study. The findings indicate that the SMEs in this study engage in three distinct types of collaboration: transactional (tool-based and compliance-focused), strategic (multi-purpose, integrative) and relational (peer-oriented, motivational networks). Each type addresses specific barriers through different mechanisms. For example, transactional collaborations help improve legitimacy and visibility of sustainability efforts while strategic collaborations support goal-setting and internal alignment. Lastly, relational collaborations foster shared learning and ensure continuous motivation. However, the degree to which these engagements produce meaningful change in the company is moderated by factors such as leadership commitment, internal capacity and practical constraints produced by the collaboration itself. Based on these insights, the study presents a conceptual framework that maps how different forms of collaboration can help address specific sustainability barriers under varying contextual conditions. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how collaboration functions as a mechanism for sustainability adoption in resource-constrained firms. It highlights the need for tailored, participatory and context-sensitive approaches that reflect the diversity of SME needs and constraints.