Most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) consider sustainability to be a significant focus
Italian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Embrace Comprehensive Risk Management Strategies
According to Deloitte Private's Observatory, Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are adopting strategic approaches to manage risks arising from sustainability pressures, inflation, the energy crisis, and geopolitical uncertainties.
The businesses are focusing on integrating sustainability into their business models by embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into risk assessments and strategic planning. This approach aims to anticipate regulatory and market shifts.
To enhance financial resilience, SMEs are tightening cost control, diversifying supply chains, and improving liquidity management to cope with inflationary pressures.
In response to the energy crisis, many Italian SMEs are investing in energy efficiency, shifting to renewable energy sources, and securing supply contracts to reduce exposure to volatility.
To increase geopolitical risk awareness, these businesses are conducting scenario analyses, closely monitoring international developments, and developing flexible operational plans to adapt quickly to sudden changes.
Leveraging technology and innovation is another key strategy. SMEs are using digital tools for risk tracking and blockchain for securing supply chain and transactional integrity to improve transparency and agility.
These strategies represent a holistic approach to risk management, combining financial discipline, sustainability integration, and operational flexibility. This approach is designed to help Italian SMEs navigate the interconnected systemic risks they are facing.
It's worth noting that 8 out of 10 small and medium-sized enterprises prioritise sustainability, although the specific strategies for risk monitoring were not covered in the survey. The survey results will be discussed in subsequent paragraphs. However, it's important to note that the survey did not yield any significant conclusions or findings about the nature of the risks in this paragraph.
This synthesis is based on the typical risk management focus areas highlighted in related reports on European SMEs facing these challenges. For precise quotations or data from Deloitte Private's own report, direct access to their 2025 Observatory publication would be required.
Other sectors, such as home-and-garden and lifestyle, may also adopt similar risk management strategies as Italian SMEs, considering the rising interest in sustainable living. In fact, many small and medium-sized businesses in these sectors are realizing the importance of embedding sustainable practices into their operations for long-term growth and success.
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