To Compete or to Collaborate? An Exploratory Study on the Influence of Business Networks and the Adoption of Sustainable Practices

Abstract

Business sustainability emerges as a cornerstone for balancing economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being, establishing itself as a global priority. However, this approach still faces significant challenges among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in emerging regions such as Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. This study examines how business networks facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices through knowledge transfer and inter-organizational collaboration, emphasizing the influence of sociological factors and social interactions. Using a qualitative approach that combines semi-structured interviews and social network analysis with UCINET software version 6.776, an active network of 54 companies is analyzed. The results highlight central nodes with high betweenness centrality, underscoring their role as catalysts in disseminating sustainable practices. A significant correlation is also identified between types of business interactions and the implementation of these practices, emphasizing the strategic value of cooperation in fostering responsible behaviors. This study helps bridge the theoretical gap regarding sustainability in MSMEs and offers practical implications for designing policies that enhance business collaboration for sustainable development. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of understanding business interaction dynamics and their implications for driving sustainable transformation in regional contexts.