Tools based on immersive technologies for supporting decision making to achieve sustainability and resilience in Small and Medium Enterprises

Environmental and social sustainability (ESS) is becoming a growing concern for organisations and an important part of corporate strategy. Although the environmental and social footprint of individual small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be limited, their collective impact is significant. The first main objective of this study is to explore and present the factors and drivers that influence the successful adoption of sustainable environmental and social practices in these SMEs. The new technological paradigm is laying the foundations for the development of immersive technologies as a tool to support various activities in different areas of business. However, it is large organisations that have the greatest availability of these technologies. The second main objective of this study is to analyse the use of immersive technologies in SMEs in the context of the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental). The study is based on a mixed methods approach, which includes a comprehensive literature review and an analysis of empirical case studies. The literature review highlighted factors associated with the adoption of sustainable practices and immersive technologies in SMEs, as well as current trends. The empirical component included detailed case studies illustrating best practices of European SMEs in relation to sustainable practices and the use of immersive technologies. These case studies provided a practical insight into the challenges of adoption and highlighted best practices that could potentially guide SMEs towards greater sustainability and resilience. The findings suggest that while SMEs face significant barriers such as a lack of resources, insufficient knowledge and technological challenges, there are significant opportunities for the use of immersive technologies in the area of sustainability, not only social and environmental, but also economic. These technologies, in fact, not only help to overcome some of the traditional barriers to sustainability, but also provide innovative ways for SMEs to improve their operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement and strategic implementation of sustainable practices. Based on this comprehensive study, a step-by-step guide for SMEs to adopt immersive technologies and use them as tools for sustainable results has been developed. The aim of the guide is to comprehensively address those SMEs that are potentially interested in adopting AR or VR in their business and provide them with a path to follow for their successful implementation. In conclusion, the thesis highlights the potential of immersive technologies to transform SMEs by aligning their business models with sustainability goals. It offers a guideline for the adoption of such technologies, advocating a strategic approach that integrates technological innovation with sustainability principles to foster a resilient and competitive business environment in the SME sector.