The MEF has recently published the Sustainability Dialogue Document for SMEs and Banks, the result of work by the Sustainable Finance Table, chaired by the MEF and composed of government entities and supervisory authorities. It was created to assist SMEs in collecting and providing information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, responding to growing demands for transparency from large companies, banks, and financial intermediaries.
SMEs are numerous and play a highly active role in the Italian production system, forming part of the "value chain" of larger companies, both as suppliers and clients. Consequently, details on the impacts generated by small and medium-sized enterprises are still requested by larger companies, as they are considered "indirect" impacts.
Although not required by European regulations, SMEs can benefit from collecting ESG data, such as achieving better competitive positioning, more effective risk management, and access to financing and incentives. Sustainability should be seen as an investment in a company's future: it can enhance resilience to climate and energy shocks while reducing environmental impact through practices like energy efficiency and similar measures.
The document primarily aims to serve as a tool to facilitate dialogue between SMEs and banks by reducing bureaucratic burdens. It also seeks to raise awareness among businesses with a view to a gradual transition toward a sustainable economy.
For us SMEs, it is crucial to stay updated on the evolution of regulations, not only to align with the National Strategy but also to seize the opportunities arising from integrating sustainability into our business model. Complying with ESG criteria is not just about meeting market and regulatory expectations but also about investing in a lasting competitive advantage while contributing to the creation of a fairer, more resilient, and sustainable economy.