Bridging the gap
Summary report of consultations
Rapport synthèse des consultations
About the publication
QNP and Green Economy Canada have teamed up to conduct consultations aimed at exploring the needs of SMEs and assessing the relevance of establishing low-carbon economy hubs in Quebec (the hubs).
The Bridging the Gap report – Summary of consultations presents a summary of the main findings, supported by recent statistical data where available. In addition, needs to be addressed and potential courses of action have been identified.
Consulter le rapportThe Bridging the Gap report – Summary of consultations presents a summary of the main findings, supported by recent statistical data where available. In addition, needs to be addressed and potential courses of action have been identified.
Our partners for this publication
Co-initiator of the project
Partners
Collaborator
Summary report of consultations
BRIDGING THE GAP
Key findings
From September 14 to 29, 2021, more than 140 people took part in five virtual round tables, one of which brought together provincial stakeholders and the other four regional stakeholders from Montérégie, Montreal, Outaouais, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
The round tables brought together individuals who were able to share relevant perspectives on the needs of Quebec SMEs today and in the medium and long term, with a view to accelerating the transition. The round tables were supplemented by individual interviews and questionnaires.
The round tables brought together individuals who were able to share relevant perspectives on the needs of Quebec SMEs today and in the medium and long term, with a view to accelerating the transition. The round tables were supplemented by individual interviews and questionnaires.
Key findings
Low-carbon SMEs are not actively preparing for the accelerating transition to a low-carbon economy.
Very few have conducted an inventory of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are aware of their significant sources of emissions. The vast majority of them are not equipped to assess their climate risks and seize new business opportunities as they arise.
Government targets set for the long term (2030-2050) are difficult to translate into short-term objectives at the SME level.
SMEs generally do not set reduction targets. They do not know whether the value chains they are part of are aligned with a transition pathway compatible with global warming well below 2˚C, nor what actions to take to achieve this.
The lack of knowledge and tools adapted to their context, the shortage of manpower, the post-pandemic recovery context and the absence of regulatory constraints are the main obstacles to climate action by SMEs.
SMEs and the economic stakeholders that support them lack the knowledge and tools needed to implement climate action and integrate transition-related issues into their business strategies and decisions. The pressure created by labor shortages, combined with the absence of regulatory constraints, means that SMEs operate in an environment that does not encourage action.
The business ecosystem is characterized by numerous dualities and opportunities to strengthen synergies and cohesion, particularly in order to better collectively address the accelerating transition.
Today's service offering is aimed primarily at large companies, and is the result of many years of commitment on the part of a large number of organizations, experts and consultants operating more or less independently of one another, each with their own vocabulary and criteria. Even if, in theory, there's no shortage of doors for interested leaders to knock on, it's a complex matter for them to access resources tailored to the needs of SMEs, at the right time.
Become a publication partner
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Contact us