Stakeholders identify success factors for SMEs in adopting a CSR approach 

Presentations by individual SMEs opened this two-day SME Round Table session. Betapharm, a German SME dealing with the development, marketing and sales of generic drugs experienced stagnation after few years in business and decided to take a different, more socially responsible approach, by promoting social-medical research projects. This decision led to vast business success. Two other Belgian SMEs explained innovative approaches they have taken in carpentry (using certified wood), and in a car repair garage (recognising the value of workers' right to "life after work", by providing a 35-hour work week), respectively.

The next part of the discussion dealt with ways to promote CSR among SMEs, firstly, focussing on the supply chain. The first case was presented by an SME from the UK that seized a market opportunity and in view of new EU legislation concerning electrical waste (currently in its implementation phase), went into the business of recycling mobile phones. This SME managed to build close partnerships with big companies. Coming from the large business side, the UK's Cooperative Bank explained its involvement in supply chain management, which it has made a priority. This bank considers CSR an income generator, which aspect has also, but more recently, been recognised by the French Caisse Nationale de l'Epargne.

Secondly, collaborative initiatives were dealt with as a good way to promote CSR among SMEs. The next presentation introduced an SME Consortium, which grew out of a UK initiative, taken to the European level by CSR Europe. A second collaborative initiative was then discussed through an Austrian example, where environmental, quality and health and safety management systems were implemented in an SME with financial assistance from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, covering consultancy costs. The last presentation focussed solely on environmental management systems (EMS) and how public authorities can encourage their use by SMEs. In this context, the speaker from DG Enterprise explained the Commission would release a report on this subject in Autumn 2003, which might be followed by a stakeholder seminar.

During the final SME Round Table meeting in early 2004, the participants will discuss the contribution of this Round Table to the CSR Multi Stakeholder Forum final report that is due to be released during Summer 2004. This contribution will identify future areas of research and provide recommendations on what individual actors can do to promote CSR among SMEs.