Search Results (121)

This study analyses the progress and persistent challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)—in the province of Alto Amazonas, Loreto, Peru, a territory characterized by structural informality exceeding 80%. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating a survey of 500 economically active residents, semi-structured interviews with local authorities and business representatives, and a documentary review of official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). Quantitative results reveal uneven economic growth driven mainly by low-value primary sectors, with 41.2% of workers lacking social protection and 51.4% reporting discriminatory practices. Although 70% expressed interest in entrepreneurship, only 37.8% achieved business formalization. Qualitative findings highlight a strong dependence on public investment, limited private-sector diversification, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem with high motivation but insufficient institutional support. The study concludes that structural constraints—informality, credit restrictions, territorial inequality, and weak institutional coordination—continue to hinder SDG 8 achievement. It recommends integrated policies that promote labor formalization, financial inclusion, productive diversification, and sustainable micro-enterprise development to align economic dynamism with social protection and territorial cohesion. Full article

Digitalization, including the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is one of the key enablers of business agility in contemporary enterprises. Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are increasingly expected to adopt scalable and cost-effective AI tools as part of their digital transformation. This study investigates the implementation of an AI-powered chatbot in a Slovak micro-enterprise operating an e-commerce platform, aiming to assess its effectiveness in automating customer service processes. Using a mixed-method case study approach, the research combines quantitative data on service performance (e.g., number of inquiries handled, response time, and automation rate) with qualitative insights from employee and customer feedback. The findings show that the chatbot significantly reduced staff workload and improved response speed and customer satisfaction. However, challenges were identified in handling ambiguous queries and maintaining empathetic communication in complex situations, underscoring the need for regular updates and human oversight. The study contributes to the limited empirical literature on AI integration in micro-enterprises and provides practical recommendations for MSEs seeking to enhance their operational efficiency through AI-driven tools without large-scale investments. These results offer a nuanced perspective on how even resource-constrained businesses can benefit from AI adoption when implementation is carefully aligned with their specific needs and capabilities. Full article

Peru’s highly competitive garment sector, where microenterprises account for 88.4% of all enterprises, the main barrier to sustainability is low productivity, driven by high rework rates and operational errors. To address this problem, this research proposes an improvement model that combines Standardized Work to unify processes with a Poka Yoke technological solution using artificial vision for real-time defect prevention. This dual approach addresses the root causes of inefficiency, merging a core principle of Lean Manufacturing with an accessible Industry 4.0 tool designed for implementation in resource-constrained environments. The validation of the model demonstrated its remarkable effectiveness, achieving transformative results: the sewing rework rate was drastically reduced from 28.43% to 8.94%, the labeling rework rate were reduced from 18.02% to 3.88%, the production cycle time was optimized from 23.74 to 16.54 min per garment, with a 173.74% increase in productivity. These results not only confirm the validity of the model, but, due to its basis in universal principles and scalable technology, they also guarantee high applicability and replicability in other micro and small companies in the sector, offering a clear path towards a qualitative leap in productivity and competitiveness. Full article

In post-pandemic Peru, delivery platforms have become key market-access infrastructures for microenterprises, yet regional evidence remains limited. This study examines the extent to which—and under what conditions—the adoption of delivery services is associated with innovative business growth in La Libertad (2021–2025). A cross-sectional survey of 200 microentrepreneurs assessed delivery adoption, business model innovation (BMI), digital capabilities, and the institutional environment. Statistical analyses indicate that the use of delivery platforms is positively associated with business growth and that an indirect association operates through BMI. Likewise, higher levels of digital capabilities are associated with a steeper adoption–growth association, while more favorable institutional conditions are associated with higher odds of business formalization. These findings suggest that delivery platforms may function as catalysts for growth and formalization when adoption co-occurs with strategic redesign and digital skill development within supportive local ecosystems. The study contributes to sustainable entrepreneurship scholarship by providing regional-level evidence from a developing economy and underscoring that technological adoption alone is insufficient without complementary innovation and capability building. Although environmental metrics were not included, future research should incorporate verified indicators to assess the environmental dimension of delivery-based entrepreneurship comprehensively. Full article

Financial literacy, defined as the set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable individuals to make informed economic decisions and manage resources efficiently, is fundamental for social inclusion and the reduction of inequalities. This study, through a systematic review of the scientific literature using the PRISMA methodology, selected 120 primary studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and presented a low risk of bias. These studies examined aspects related to financial literacy programs, the populations benefited, their effects, the challenges encountered, and the lessons that can guide the replication of these initiatives. The results show that the most frequent programs include training in basic financial concepts—savings, budgeting, access to banking services and microfinance—as well as workshops, seminars, and group training sessions. The populations most benefited were rural communities and women, although informal workers, migrants, and refugees could also significantly improve their financial inclusion and economic resilience. Among the positive effects, improvements were observed in income and expense management, increased savings, investment planning, preparation for emergencies and retirement, and the strengthening of economic empowerment and the sustainability of microenterprises and small enterprises. These findings highlight the importance of implementing financial literacy programs adapted to specific contexts to promote inclusion and economic well-being. Full article

(1) Background/Purpose: Our research focuses on stakeholders’ attitudes in the Slovak SME sector, which we assessed through a questionnaire. The ability to evolve and adapt continuously is critical for micro-enterprises in competitive markets. (2) Study Design/Methodology/Approach: The primary objective of our research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the new work organization processes in SMEs operating in a rapidly changing economic environment. Our research employed a single-sample cross-sectional sampling method, wherein respondents completed a questionnaire within a defined time frame. The primary data collection was carried out using a questionnaire containing closed questions. The research assesses the opinions of the respondents regarding the problem under study over a given period of time. The survey was conducted online. (3) Findings: 31% of the companies surveyed considered that introducing new work organization processes would make the company more adaptable to the changing economic environment. Only one-third considered involving employees in the processes the most important means to achieve this. Higher employee satisfaction is reported as a positive by 24% of companies. However, only a quarter of them believe the best way to achieve this is to involve employees in processes. For micro-enterprises, limited resources and smaller staff prioritize effective communication, and gaps can cause significant difficulties. Regarding the sample examined, among the hypotheses based on the literature background, we were only able to accept hypothesis H3 with modifications, which states that the biggest challenge for micro-companies in the industrial sector in a competitive market is understanding new technologies when improving employee skills. (4) Originality/Value: The research shows that micro-enterprises are particularly sensitive to the challenges associated with new technologies, which can be important information for designing training programs and developing support strategies for enterprises. Full article

Small businesses, particularly micro-entrepreneurships, are a vital economic engine in many developing nations, providing essential income and employment. This study analyzes the post-shock trajectory of Chilean micro-enterprises through the lens of the digitalization–formality trade-off during and after the pandemic. During the crisis, micro-enterprises relied on a short-run substitution mechanism: those with greater capital and intensive Internet use saw a notable increase in sales, demonstrating that digital channels were effectively substituting for the growth benefits typically conferred by formal status. Interestingly, formal business registration or permits did not directly translate into higher sales during this period. Looking at the medium-run pattern, the initial surge in necessity-driven businesses was followed by renewed incentives for opportunity-seeking entrepreneurs as the economy recovered. However, the crisis created a lasting disincentive: both men and women were less likely to formalize their businesses after the pandemic, indicating that the high cost or low benefit of formality persisted, further entrenching the reliance on informal, digitally enabled operations. Full article

This study examines the influence of institutional pressures and personal attributes on the perceived importance of financial reporting among micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Survey data from 194 micro-entrepreneurs were analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that institutional pressures from Malaysian regulatory bodies, particularly the Inland Revenue Board, and the financial literacy of micro-entrepreneurs are significantly associated with stronger perceptions of the importance of financial reporting. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance reporting practices and promote financial literacy within the microenterprise sector. While prior research has largely concentrated on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the financial reporting practices of micro-enterprises remain underexplored, despite their distinctive characteristics and critical role in the economy. By addressing this gap, this study enriches the financial reporting literature and advances a broader understanding of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Full article

In the context of advancing new quality productive forces (NQP), the optimization of factor allocation is of critical importance. This study empirically examines how inter-firm land allocation affects the development of NQP and explores the moderating roles of labor, capital, and data factors from a perspective of factor synergy. Combining theoretical analysis with empirical investigation, the findings are as follows: (1) optimizing land allocation across firms significantly enhances the level of urban NQP, and this result remains robust after accounting for endogeneity and a series of robustness checks; (2) capital expansion and the scaling of data resources substantially reinforce the positive effect of land allocation on NQP, whereas the interregional mobility of labor—particularly high-skilled workers—exerts a negative moderating influence. The results suggest that policymakers should promote the rational allocation of land resources while leveraging the synergistic effects of labor, capital, and data to accelerate the development of NQP at the local level. Full article

This study examines patterns of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Ecuadorian micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with an emphasis on functional diversity across value chain activities. Based on a cross-sectional dataset of 781 enterprises and an entropy-based model, it assesses internal variability in AI use and explores its relationship with strategic perception and dynamic capabilities. The findings reveal predominant partial adoption, alongside high functional entropy in sectors such as mining and services, suggesting an ongoing phase of technological experimentation. However, a significant gap emerges between perceived strategic use and actual functional configurations—especially among microenterprises—indicating a misalignment between intent and organizational capacity. Barriers to adoption include limited technical skills, high costs, infrastructure constraints, and cultural resistance, yet over 70% of non-adopters express future adoption intentions. Regional analysis identifies both the Andean Highlands and Coastal regions as “innovative,” although with distinct profiles of digital maturity. While microenterprises focus on accessible tools (e.g., chatbots), small enterprises engage in data analytics and automation. Correlation analyses reveal no significant relationship between functional diversity and strategic value or capability development, underscoring the importance of qualitative organizational factors. While primarily descriptive, the entropy-based approach provides a robust diagnostic baseline that can be complemented by multivariate or qualitative methods to uncover causal mechanisms and strengthen policy implications. The proposed framework offers a replicable and adaptable tool for characterizing AI integration and informing differentiated support policies, with relevance for Ecuador and other emerging economies facing fragmented digital transformation. Full article

This study examines the identity of nanostores—micro, independent grocery retailers—through a systemic, stakeholder-informed lens to promote their survivability and competitiveness. Moving beyond traditional operational descriptions, it introduces a multidimensional framework that examines what nanostores do (X), how they do it (Y), and why they matter (Z), which is complemented by the use of the TASCOI tool to produce identity statements. Based on survey data collection and a thematic analysis of nanostore stakeholder responses in Mexico City, the research categorises identity statements into six 2 × 2 matrices across four dimensions: operational, functional, relational, and adaptive. This analysis yields twenty-four archetypes that capture the diversity, complexity, and adaptability of nanostores. The findings reveal that nanostores are not a homogeneous category. They simultaneously exhibit characteristics of multiple archetypes, blending retail function, social embeddedness, and entrepreneurial adaptation. This study contributes to the nanostore and micro-enterprise literature by operationalising identity description and offers practical insights for supporting diverse shop types through context-sensitive policy and business strategies. While this study ensures internal validity and reliability through systematic coding and stakeholder feedback, it acknowledges limitations in its generalisability. Future research may build on this work through comparative studies, longitudinal tracking, and direct engagement with nanostore owners and their communities to further understand the dynamics of their identity and their resilience in evolving retail landscapes. Full article

Micro-enterprises are vital to the European economy, including in Croatia, where they make over 88% of the total number of businesses. Despite their significance, they face substantial energy vulnerability due to factors like small size, limited financial resources, and high energy costs. This paper investigates the determinants of energy vulnerability among Croatian micro-enterprises, employing a survey of 470 micro-enterprises. The study covers firms across all Croatian NUTS2 regions and ensures geographic and sectoral representativeness. Key findings reveal that enterprises with higher energy expenditures relative to revenue are most susceptible to energy vulnerability, which is aligned with our assumption. On the other hand, businesses that own their premises, have more employees, and have been operational longer are more likely to invest in energy efficiency measures, thereby reducing vulnerability. Notably, a significant proportion of micro-enterprises report that energy costs adversely affect their household finances, highlighting the nature of business and personal economic stability. The paper underscores the need for targeted policies and support mechanisms to enhance the energy-related resilience of micro-enterprises, considering their unique structural and financial constraints. Full article

The aim of this research was to clarify the concept of vulnerable micro-enterprises (MEs) and develop a set of indicators for identifying and analyzing developments in vulnerable MEs in “catching up” economies in the context of the regulation on the Social Climate Fund (SCF). The case of Lithuania is studied. A retrospective analysis of business structure research indicators during the period from 2010 to 2023 was carried out. The method of the median was applied to determine thresholds of indicators above (below) which a ME is considered vulnerable. Absolute and relative business structure research indicators were calculated to provide estimates of the number of vulnerable MEs and reveal their role in the economy. The results revealed the number and share of vulnerable MEs which experienced high fuel expenditure (above the median (1M), 1.5M, or 2M). Historically, these MEs created a share of added value and provided employment opportunities. The share was found to vary in accordance with economic activity and the Lithuanian municipality, suggesting that the distribution of financing from the SCF should consider aspects of economic activity and regionality. A number of MEs had an essential share of fuel expenditure in their total operating costs. Vulnerable MEs demonstrate low or negative profitability, and may be insolvent; therefore, they cannot invest in building renovation or environmentally friendly transport. Thus, the research results indicate the need for discussions regarding financing vulnerable MEs in Lithuania. Full article

This study examines the application of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks within small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how interconnected autonomous agents improve operational efficiency and adaptability. Using the PRISMA 2020 framework, this study systematically identified, screened, and analyzed 66 studies, including peer-reviewed and credible gray literature, published between 2019 and 2024, to assess agentic AI frameworks in SMMEs. Recognizing the constraints faced by SMMEs, such as limited scalability, high operational demands, and restricted access to advanced technologies, the review synthesizes existing research to highlight the characteristics, implementations, and impacts of agentic AI in task automation, decision-making, and ecosystem-wide collaboration. The results demonstrate the potential of agentic AI to address technological, ethical, and infrastructure barriers while promoting innovation, scalability, and competitiveness. This review contributes to the understanding of agentic AI frameworks by offering practical insights and setting the groundwork for further research into their applications in SMMEs’ dynamic and resource-constrained economic environments. Full article

The textile sector plays a crucial role in Peru’s economy. This case study examines a Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) in the Peruvian textile sector, which experienced a productivity decline to 0.085 units per sol in 2023, compared to the sector average of 0.13 units per sol. This productivity gap resulted in a 22.45% reduction in the company’s income. Previous studies addressing similar productivity issues have achieved only marginal improvements. This study aims to achieve more significant results by implementing 5S, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), digitization, and advanced data analytics to enhance data recording and overall productivity. Data analytics is utilized to transform raw data into actionable insights, optimize maintenance, and improve quality control. The methodology was tested through a pilot project in the company’s apparel division, resulting in a productivity increase of 0.10 sol/unit. The study concludes that the applied methodology, supported by data analytics, effectively addresses the productivity issues and optimizes the processes within the case study. In a textile sector MSE, which has a problem with the low productivity present during the past year of 2023, i.e., of 0.085 und/sol whereas is at 0.13 und/sol on the side of the sector, it thus generates a negative economic impact of 22.45% of the company’s income and a presenting a gap of 0.085 und/sol while the sector is at 0.13 und/sol. Previously, studies have been presented, seeking to solve similar problems and obtaining minimally positive results, which is why the motivation to achieve favorable results to ensure that the MSEs in the sector can develop optimally with the support of tools such as 5S, TPM, and innovative technologies such as digitization, thus allowing better recording of their data. The application of this methodology is designed through a pilot in the apparel area of the company, allowing it to achieve a positive result by increasing productivity by 0.10 sol/unit. It can be concluded that this methodology allows solving the problems addressed and optimizing the processes of the case study. Full article