The role of support programmes and policies in improving SMEs environmental performance in developed and transition economies

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form a strong basis of the economy in developed countries and are of growing importance in the transition economies. At the same time, SMEs significantly contribute to environmental degradation. This paper draws on a pilot survey of SMEs in the London area, examining their environmental concerns, constraints to environmental performance improvements, key incentives to caring for the environment, and the role of support initiatives and bodies in promoting best environmental practices in SMEs. The applicability of the results of this study to transition economies of Eastern Europe is examined, and further research is proposed in the region in order to test hypotheses developed by this study.