Benefits of adopting innovation and sustainability practices in project management within the SME context

Abstract

The economic activity of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) has become increasingly project-oriented. Given SMEs’ significant role in promoting social and economic well-being, Project Management (PM) has emerged as a crucial tool for fostering innovation and sustainability within these companies and society as a whole. However, there is a gap in the existing literature concerning identifying practices that ensure innovation and sustainability throughout PM within SMEs and the associated benefits of adopting these practices. To address this gap, a comprehensive Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, gathering articles from reputable databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. In addition, this study seeks to explore the practical, political, and theoretical implications of these findings. The review identified 166 innovation practices, 86 sustainability practices, and 61 benefits, which were categorized based on their primary subject areas. The results of this study contribute to both the academic and practical understanding of the interplay between PM, innovation, and sustainability in SMEs. By identifying these practices and associated benefits, this research provides valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, enabling them to foster innovation and sustainability within SMEs. In conclusion, this research fills a critical gap in the literature by providing an in-depth analysis of innovation and sustainability practices in the context of PM in SMEs. Also, it identifies that the benefits of adopting these practices extend well beyond economic considerations. The practical, political, and theoretical implications of these findings underscore the importance of integrating PM, innovation, and sustainability for the overall well-being of SMEs and society.