At the Research Centre on Peripheral Populations, we believe sustainable business models can only succeed when social and environmental value are considered together. Yet current approaches often treat these dimensions separately, measuring carbon emissions or biodiversity protection on one hand, and fair wages or community well-being on the other. In practice, they are interdependent. SMEs that fail to address both risk being left behind in the shift to a circular and bio-based economy.
Our initiative directly responds to this challenge. Supported initially by the British Academy Pump-Priming Fund (2025), the project has now matured into a Horizon Europe proposal in the Innovative solutions for the sustainable and circular transformation of SMEs call (HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-06).
The project introduces a Decision-Support System (DSS) designed specifically for SMEs in the agrifood and bio-based sectors. This digital and participatory tool will:
- Diagnose an SME’s ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) maturity
- Co-develop tailored transition plans
- Help businesses move beyond compliance to embrace sustainability as a source of value creation.
By integrating social value and natural capital into everyday decision-making, the DSS will enable SMEs to unlock new market opportunities, strengthen their competitiveness, and attract investors and consumers seeking impact-driven businesses.
This three-phase approach - assessment, co-creation, and implementation - ensures SMEs are not just adapting to regulations but actively shaping sustainable futures. Beyond compliance, the project positions SMEs as drivers of systemic change in Europe’s green transition.
Our Consortium
The proposal brings together a committed partnership of 13 organisations across six countries, combining expertise in research, technology, sustainability, and enterprise support. Together, we aim to deliver transformative, scalable solutions that empower SMEs to lead Europe’s transition to circular and bio-based economies.
For more information about this project, please contact the principal investigator, Dr Maria Granados, [email protected].
SDG alignment
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action