Overview and Objective of Study

Small-medium enterprises (SME) are the backbones of innovationand entrepreneurship in developing countries. In Malaysia, SMEcontributes about 32% (2012) to GDP and this figure is expected toreach 41% by 2020. Owing to this, it is crucial for SME to stayinnovative, entrepreneurial and sustainable. Eco-innovation and -entrepreneurship are green economics, which can help SME tostay vigilant and competitive in the rapidly changing environment,economics and social (ESS) spheres. A green framework for SMEeco-innovation and eco-entrepreneurship focusing on greeneconomics (inputs), eco-innovation and -entrepreneurship(strategy) and marketing eco-innovation (dissemination ofinnovation) paths ways for sustainable growth for the SME. Thisstudy aims to develop the proposed three-stage green framework,known as the GEM Framework for SME. GEM, a micro-level modelcan complement the Local Innovation System (LIS), Regional IS(RIS), National IS (NIS) and Green IS (GIS), to guide and boost SMEeco-innovation and eco-entrepreneurship especially in Malaysia.

Chuen-Khee Pek, NUBS Malaysia

Contact InformationChuen-Khee PekNottingham University Business School Malaysia Campus chuen.pek@nottingham.edu.my

Nottingham University Business School

U21 ECR Interactive Poster Session University College Dublin, Ireland

GEM Framework for SME Malaysia: Green Economics, Eco-innovation & -entrepreneurship, Marketing eco-innovation Framework for Small-medium Enterprises in Malaysia

SME in Malaysia

Source: SME Corp. Malaysia (October, 2013)

Figs: SME MP 2012-2020

The proposed GEM Framework Methodology

Focus group discussions, face-to-face interviews and surveys willbe conducted to elicit responses from SME regarding their status,needs, pains and support required from various governmental andnon-governmental bodies. The same will also be conducted on thepublic to understand their concerns about/for SME. This will helpto balance views from different perspectives of the community.Regression models will also be estimated to answer severalresearch objectives to be determined after details of the discussionis formalised. Tobit, logistics and ordinary least squaresregressions can be are proposed to be estimated where fit.

Awareness

PoliciesSupport

WelfareEcon & Env

Sustainability

Eco

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& -

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pre

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hip

(str

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Eco-innov & -entr Mktg eco-innov

• eco-innovative strategies

• green entrepreneurs

• green competition

• ‘green’ ocean

• greening 7Ps

• green mktgphilosophy

• Support

• PoliciesInputs

• Awareness

• Welfare

• Econ & Env sustainability

Outputs

Impact of the Study

SME in Malaysia require formalised framework, guidelines andsupport from the various community stakeholders to staycompetitive, contributive and relevant (CCR). The GEMFramework is a comprehensive A-Z guide ranging from sourcing ofresources to disseminating new eco-innovations through eco-entrepreneurship for the SME , which aims to suggest feasibleapproaches for sustainable growth under the context of the TripleBottom Line. With continuous growth and sustaining contributionsfrom the SME, the growth of the wider economy can be enhanced.

Conclusion

This study aims to strengthen the micro-economics of aneconomy, targeting at sustainable growth in the backbone sector,SME. The GEM Framework will serve as the foundation for furthergrowth and development in all sectors of SME together with thebroader systems like the National- and Green- Innovation Systems.As this is a preliminary proposal, this study welcomes suggestions,ideas and constructive comments for improvement. This study alsowelcome collaborations from keen partners.