Industry 4.0
Vol. 11 (2026), Issue 4, pg(s) 194-196

BUSINESS & “INDUSTRY 4.0”

Quality management in SMEs as a factor for green transition and circular economy: an empirical study in the context of industry 5.0

  • 1 Technical University of Varna, Bulgaria

Abstract

The paper investigates the specific role of quality management systems (QMS) as a factor for green transition and circular economy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the context of Industry 5.0. Based on a sub-sample of 209 SMEs (from n = 250 Bulgarian industrial enterprises), a targeted statistical analysis was conducted. Results show that QMS maturity in SMEs is significantly lower than in large enterprises, but the effect of its growth on the Green Transition Index (GTI) is proportionally stronger. The regression model for SMEs explains 61.4% of GTI variation (R² = 0.614), with integrated ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 systems remaining the strongest predictor (β = 0.271; p < 0.001). Specific barriers facing SMEs are identified and targeted recommendations are formulated.

Keywords

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