Interorganisational cooperation as a way of accessing green technologies for the integration of sustainable practices in SMEs Simão Bichinho, Mário Franco, Margarida Rodrigues Green Technologies and Sustainability, 2026 In implementing sustainable practices, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must adopt green technologies, but due to their limited resources, one possible strategy for accessing this type of technology is the formation of inter-organisational cooperation relationships. In this sense, this study aims to understand the motivations and how co-operation can facilitate the use of green technologies to implement sustainability practices in SMEs. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research approach was chosen, using 7 SMEs (cases) from different sectors of activity in a region in the interior of Portugal. The data collection technique used was document analysis and interviews with the owner-managers of the selected companies. From a content analysis, the results show the existence of awareness and commitment on the part of SMEs to the application of green technologies, and recognition of the importance of inter-organisational cooperation in order to access them. With the use of these green technologies, SMEs are more easily implementing sustainability practices in their business activities. With regard to the motivations for inter-organisational cooperation as a strategy for adopting green technologies, it was concluded that sharing knowledge and resources were the main reasons. This study also concludes that SMEs are aware that it is necessary to avoid waste, reduce costs, have a differentiated and environmentally friendly product, as well as being concerned about their image in the eyes of the target public and social responsibility. • The study advances knowledge about cooperation, green technologies and the SMEs sustainability. • The inter-organisational cooperation is interesting mechanism for sustainability in SMEs. • A framework is presented with the main motivations related to the green technologies and cooperation strategy. • This study lets governments and firms understand which main lines of further investigation.
Mindfulness in a Business Context, What Future? Bibiliometric Review Lurdes Esteves, Mário Franco, Margarida Rodrigues Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2026 This study analyses the main topics in the literature on the use of mindfulness in an organisational or entrepreneurial business context and presents an agenda for future research. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS). The results of an in-depth analysis revealed two clusters representing the main research topics: (1) Nature and contributions of mindfulness and (2) Mindfulness and the workplace, which are discussed in detail below. The main results suggest that there are little explored research angles: tertiary sector or service provision; work carried out in European countries; comparison between sectors of activity, intercontinental or international; mindfulness and entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or family businesses; the influence of mindfulness in the individual, collective and social context associated with resilience, leadership, well-being, engagement, productivity, ethics and sustainability. This study also provides insights for academia, professionals and policy-makers that can help SMEs to engage in mindfulness knowledge and practices, enabling the development of wellbeing promotion strategies with impacts at the individual, collective or societal level, with a focus on social competences, contributing to the emergence of “wellbeing communities or societies” and sustainability.
What You Need to Know About Life Cycle Assessment in the “Agri-Food Sector” for Sustainable Business Strategies in SMEs: A Bibliometric Analysis Ana Garcez, Margarida Rodrigues, Mário Franco, Ana Oliveira, Jorge Costa, Carlos Cabeleira Business Strategy and the Environment, 2026 The agri‐food sector faces growing sustainability challenges, including resource depletion, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool for evaluating environmental impacts, yet its adoption among small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) remains limited. Through bibliometric analysis and thematic clustering, this study identifies three key dimensions of LCA research: circular economy integration, ISO 14040 compliance, and localized supply chain applications. Circular metrics like the material circularity indicator (MCI) support SMEs in enhancing resource efficiency by aligning environmental and economic goals. ISO 14040 ensures methodological consistency and supports informed decision‐making. Case studies demonstrate LCA's practical benefits in reducing waste and promoting regional sustainability. The study proposes a tailored framework to embed LCA in SME operations, offering strategies to align agri‐food supply chains with global sustainability goals. Future research should explore digital and AI‐based tools to streamline LCA and support real‐time decisions.
Visitor expenditure and consumption patterns in sustainable urban events: a Tobit analysis of Porto Beer Fest 2024 Ana Pinto Borges, Elvira Vieira, Margarida Rodrigues, Ana Maria Reis, Mário Franco Tourism Review, 2026 Purpose This study aims to analyse the determinants of visitors’ spending patterns at sustainable urban events, based on the case of Porto Beer Fest 2024. Spending at the venue and in the host city is examined in relation to psychographic segmentation, satisfaction and perceptions of sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyse 793 valid on-site surveys collected via a structured questionnaire. Visitors were segmented into four profiles based on their degree of interest and knowledge about craft beer: indifferent novices, casual consumers, informed enthusiasts, engaged experts. Given left-censoring at zero, the authors estimate Tobit models, considering sociodemographic covariates and satisfaction levels across festival aspects. Findings Spending at the venue and in the city is higher among profiles that are most involved with the event theme (informed enthusiasts and engaged experts). Increased urban spending is strongly correlated with satisfaction with food pairings and beer tastings. Positive perception of sustainable practices influences on-site spending. Overall satisfaction is a robust predictor of expenditure across both domains. Practical implications Communication and experience design should be guided by engagement-based segmentation. Maximising the economic impact of events requires clearly incorporating sustainable practices and enhancing sensory and educational experiences. Originality/value This study integrates censored-data econometric modelling (Tobit), involvement-based psychographic segmentation and sustainability perceptions to jointly explain on-site and city-level expenditure, offering theory-driven and actionable insights for sustainable urban event management aligned with the sustainable development goals.
PTCP – scale of personality traits and creative practices: adaptation, application and validation in higher education institutions Margarida Rodrigues, Ana Garcez, Ana Pinto Borges, Mário Franco, Rui Silva Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 2026 Purpose This study deals with the validation of a scale designed to measure creative personality traits and creative pedagogical practices in higher education. Design/methodology/approach To fulfil these aims, a scale was validated using rigorous statistical methods, such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A snowball sampling was used, launching the questionnaire on social media. This questionnaire was administered to higher education lecturers at higher education institutions, obtaining 202 valid responses. Findings The scale was refined, resulting in a reliable instrument with four main dimensions: (1) creative personal characteristics, (2) stimulating the expression of ideas, (3) environment conducive to creativity and (4) student autonomy and learning. Practical implications The dimensions reflect theoretical foundations of creativity in higher education and offer practical applications to promote innovation in educational environments. The results highlight the importance of lecturers adopting creative practices to encourage the development of creativity in students. Originality/value In this study, a new and innovative scale was validated. The Personality Traits and Creative Practices (PTCP) scale highlights the importance of lecturers adopting creative practices to encourage the development of creativity in students. The study contributes to theory by providing a robust tool for measuring creativity and to practice by directing teachers towards pedagogical strategies that foster creativity in educational contexts. Finally, conclusions, limitations and future avenues for research were drawn.
Building bridges between circularity indicators and sustainability Margarida Rodrigues, Ana Garcez, Mário Franco Discover Sustainability, 2025 The transition to a circular economy (CE) is a topic that has become increasingly relevant in recent decades, especially due to growing concerns about sustainability and the scarcity of natural resources. However, in-depth studies are still lacking on the integration of circularity indicators and sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize existing knowledge in this research area and point out future directions for researchers and stakeholders interested in boosting the CE and the effective use of circularity indicators. To achieve this objective, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed based on 102 articles identified from the Web of Science (WoS) database. A bibliometric analysis was also used to map the current research landscape. This study highlights the growing interest in the CE as an indispensable alternative to addressing environmental and economic challenges. The main conclusion is that there is still no standardization and integration of circularity indicators across various industries, regions, and contexts. This study also emphasizes the importance of integrating business practices, public policies, and effective metrics to promote sustainable development.
Sustainable innovation practices: a single case study in a wine SME Mário Franco, Margarida Rodrigues, Jaciara Albuquerque International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 2025 Purpose Sustainable innovation began to be addressed in academic circles in the early 2000s. However, there is still a gap in the adoption of innovative sustainable practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) context. Therefore, this study aims to identify the specific challenges and benefits that SMEs face when adopting innovative sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach To fulfil this objective, a qualitative methodology was used, specifically a single case study in a wine SME. For data collection, the interview, based on the informal conversation method, was carried out personally with the firm’s entrepreneur-manager. Findings From the content analysis, the empirical evidence shows that by integrating sustainable innovation into their operations, SMEs can contribute to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability at a local and global level. Practical implications This empirical study shows that SMEs do not face unique challenges, such as responding to the limited resources they have and competitive pressures, with the use of innovative sustainable practices in their operations being one of the most promising responses. Originality/value This study is innovative because it shows the importance of SMEs recognising and integrating social responsibility associated with environmental awareness into their business strategies and that innovation is an essential requirement for implementing sustainable practices. A framework about sustainable innovation practices within SME is also proposed.
The role of inter-organisational communication in the performance of strategic alliances: a relational perspective Mário Franco, Heiko Haase, Margarida Rodrigues Euromed Journal of Business, 2025 PurposeThis study aims to determine whether inter-organisational communication, based on four communicational dimensions (willingness, behaviour, commitment and quality), influences the performance of strategic alliances.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this objective, from a relational perspective, a qualitative approach was adopted, resorting to five small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)/cases in Portugal. Interviews with the key informants of these SMEs and documentary analysis were used to collect data.FindingsBased on the cases analysed, the results show that communication is fundamental, valued and implemented in the SMEs studied. However, this is informal communication, reflecting the cooperation established and not based on contracts. In these SMEs, communication is the basis for understanding the alliance’s objectives and their fulfilment, which creates satisfaction in the partners and the alliance’s success. Communication also allows an alliance to be maintained and develop continuously, creating bonds between the partners.Practical implicationsWithout that communication, alliance performance will not be possible. The study is relevant as it indicates management practices in strategic alliances based on inter-organisational communication, aiming for good performance. Therefore, it contributes to advancing knowledge about strategic alliances through the innovative link with inter-organisational communication and its applicability.Originality/valueThis study is new and innovative because it contributes to the literature in the area of strategic management, as it presents phenomena to do with inter-organisational communication and its relation with strategic alliances in SMEs, as well as advancing knowledge about the relational perspective. In addition, the application and development of inter-organisational communication, in all its communicational dimensions, are the basis for maintaining alliances over time and their performance.
