A Silesian perspective on small and medium-sized enterprises facing the challenges of the green economy

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to identify and analyse the opinions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) entrepreneurs operating in the Silesian Voivodeship on the prospects of their companies in relation to the need to implement so-called green solutions. The key aim of the study was to identify differences in assessments of future developments in the labour market of the Silesian Voivodeship between two groups of respondents: SME companies with the potential to create green jobs and SMEs in the green sector.

Research Design & Methods: We based the analysis on empirical data collected during fieldwork, based on a dedicated interview questionnaire. We used stratified-quota sampling. We conducted the entire study in the form of computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) with a sample of 635 respondents. Key relationships between nominal variables and their categories were tested using a chi-square test to determine the significance of these relationships. For factors significantly influencing interest in companies‘ environmental activities, correspondence analysis was additionally applied.

Findings: Most respondents believe employment in SMEs with green job potential will remain stable until 2027. Micro-entrepreneurs tend to foresee unchanged employment, while medium-sized companies plan to increase staff. The study highlights that green jobs are not clearly defined, focusing more on retraining employees to meet new environmental requirements than creating new roles related to green technologies. Entrepreneurs believe that Silesia’s socio-economic infrastructure supports green economy initiatives, while companies already engaged in the green sector effectively create green jobs. Notably, 71.4% of these companies‘ representatives expect strong growth in the sustainable economy by 2027.

Implications & Recommendations: The green economy in Silesia has promising prospects but faces challenges. Supporting access to public funding and offering preferential pricing for eco-friendly technologies could boost interest across businesses. Raising public awareness and environmental education is crucial to prepare workers and the public for upcoming economic shifts. Simplifying subsidy procedures for pro-environmental actions and adjusting legal regulations could accelerate the adoption of green solutions, making them more attractive to regional enterprises.

Contribution & Value Added: This research enriches prior studies on sustainability and entrepreneurship by addressing the perspectives of SMEs in Poland. The analysis highlights how SME entrepreneurs in Silesia view the green economy. Most companies with green job potential (66.2%) found the region’s socio-economic infrastructure favourable for green economy adoption. Promising areas included renewable energy, clean technologies, and waste management, with photovoltaics and recycling identified as key. Among established green-sector firms, 71.4% expect strong sector growth by 2027, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDG).

Keywords

SME, SDG, Silesia region, green economy, green solution, public management

Author Biography

Helena Tendera-Właszczuk

Full Professor of Economics at Krakow University of Economics, Department of European Studies and Economic Integration at College of Economics, Finance and Law. Her research interests include the development of the European Union project and the functioning of European Union policy.

Aldona Frączkiewicz-Wronka

Full Professor of Economics at the University of Economics in Katowice, Department of Public Management and Social Sciences, Faculty of Economy. Her research interests include the development of the European Union project and country and regional public management practices.

Sylwia Słupik

PhD in Economics, Assistant Professor at University of Economics in Katowice, Department of Social, Economic and Environmental Policy, Faculty of Spatial Economy and Regions in Transition. Her research interests focus on issues related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy security. She is particularly interested in sustainable energy consumption, segmentation of consumer attitudes and behaviour, behavioural economics, and intelligent energy management systems.

Damian Łukasik

Master of Law, Master of Science in Political Science, Vice Director of Voivodeship Labour Office, Silesia Region, Katowice, Poland. His research interests focus on issues related to labour market optimisation and the implementation of green economy principles as a consequence of the actions of public labour market actors.

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