Role of Startups and MSMEs in Promoting Sustainable Development A Study with Reference to SDGs
Keywords:
Startups, MSMEs, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Entrepreneurship, Green Innovation, Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Inclusive GrowthAbstract
Startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have emerged as important contributors to sustainable development through innovation, employment generation, technological advancement, and socially responsible business practices. The present study examines the role of startups and MSMEs in promoting sustainable development with specific reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research is based on a qualitative and descriptive methodology using secondary data collected from scholarly journals, policy reports, government publications, and sustainability studies published between 2015 and 2024. The findings indicate that startups and MSMEs significantly contribute to economic growth, financial inclusion, digital transformation, renewable energy adoption, and inclusive employment opportunities. The study also reveals that sustainability-oriented enterprises support environmental protection through green technologies, circular economy practices, and resource-efficient production systems. However, challenges such as financial constraints, infrastructural limitations, technological barriers, and limited awareness regarding SDGs continue to affect their sustainability potential. The study concludes that startups and MSMEs are essential drivers of sustainable and inclusive development and require stronger policy support, innovation ecosystems, and institutional assistance to enhance their contribution towards achieving SDGs.
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