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<p>Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collectively contribute a substantial share of industrial emissions, yet their potential role in achieving sustainability targets remains underexplored. This study examines how technology-enabled coopetition, a collaborative approach among competing firms can improve environmental performance in the Portuguese natural stone sector. Using a case study approach grounded in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework (ISO 14040:2006), the research assessed four key performance indicators: process quality, energy efficiency, raw material yield, and carbon footprint emissions. Data were collected from SMEs participating in an Experimental Coopetition Network supported by the Cockpit4.0 Industrial Internet of Things platform. The results show that coopetition practices significantly enhanced environmental and operational performance. Carbon emissions decreased by 21.8%, energy efficiency improved by 36.1%, and raw material yield rose by 27.1%, while process stability increased without compromising quality. These findings demonstrate that collaborative digital networks can reduce the ecological footprint of SMEs while maintaining competitiveness. The study concludes that technology-enabled coopetition provides a practical, scalable model for integrating competitiveness with environmental responsibility, aligning directly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 8, 12, and 13). Policymakers are encouraged to promote digital infrastructure, data-sharing frameworks, and training initiatives that foster SME collaboration toward low-carbon, circular industrial ecosystems.</p>

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Technology-enabled coopetition: a pathway to sustainability for SMEs

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月2日

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  • Agostinho da Silva,
  • Antonio J. Marques Cardoso

摘要

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collectively contribute a substantial share of industrial emissions, yet their potential role in achieving sustainability targets remains underexplored. This study examines how technology-enabled coopetition, a collaborative approach among competing firms can improve environmental performance in the Portuguese natural stone sector. Using a case study approach grounded in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework (ISO 14040:2006), the research assessed four key performance indicators: process quality, energy efficiency, raw material yield, and carbon footprint emissions. Data were collected from SMEs participating in an Experimental Coopetition Network supported by the Cockpit4.0 Industrial Internet of Things platform. The results show that coopetition practices significantly enhanced environmental and operational performance. Carbon emissions decreased by 21.8%, energy efficiency improved by 36.1%, and raw material yield rose by 27.1%, while process stability increased without compromising quality. These findings demonstrate that collaborative digital networks can reduce the ecological footprint of SMEs while maintaining competitiveness. The study concludes that technology-enabled coopetition provides a practical, scalable model for integrating competitiveness with environmental responsibility, aligning directly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 8, 12, and 13). Policymakers are encouraged to promote digital infrastructure, data-sharing frameworks, and training initiatives that foster SME collaboration toward low-carbon, circular industrial ecosystems.