THE ROLE OF SMES IN SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL BUSINESS INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF LUBLIN REGION (POLAND)

Anna ARENT

Faculty of Management – Lublin University of Technology, Poland, http://en.pollub.pl/
a.arent@pollub.pl

Matylda BOJAR

Faculty of Management – Lublin University of Technology, Poland, http://en.pollub.pl/
m.bojar@pollub.pl

Francisco DINIZ

Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, http://www.cetrad.info/
fdiniz@utad.pt

Nelson DUARTE

School of Management and Technology of Felgueiras – Polytechnic of Porto – CIICESI, www.estgf.ipp.pt, and CETRAD http://www.cetrad.info/, Portugal
nduarte@estgf.ipp.pt

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of SMEs in regional development, focusing the particular case of Lublin Region in Poland. This study aims, in a first stage, to analyse entrepreneurs’ view of their role in local and regional development, by the adoption of sustainability strategies. After that, it will also be explored the relation between sustainable development and other variables such as: business local integration, firm age, number of years in the actual location, or firm legal form. The methodology adopted was the questionnaire, in order to get entrepreneurs opinion. 314 questionnaires were answered by managers from SMEs operating the in region of Lublin, acting the in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Results show the economic perspective as the major concern of entrepreneurs. Most of firms present a proactive attitude towards to sustainable development – older firms present a greater concern with social and environmental issues. It was also identified the existence of high levels of local integration. However, firms that are operating behind regional frontiers are promoting a more efficient local development than local acting firms.

Keywords: SMEs, Sustainable Development, Local/Regional Development

JEL classification: M10, O14, O18, O44

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