Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to both the global economy and the environment. However, these businesses often face obstacles when it comes to implementing sustainable practices. That's why SMES must manage their resources efficiently, assess their current situation, and identify opportunities for improvement. To support SMEs in this effort, a research paper has been developed to offer relevant information and guidance for policymakers and representatives on effective sustainability measures. This paper is based on a sustainability assessment of SMEs in various sectors and countries throughout Europe. It provides insight into SMEs' status quo, target scores, and sustainability gaps. Findings reveal significant efforts to implement measures in the economic dimension, while the management and ecological dimension shows the highest potential for improvement. These insights can aid industrial representatives and policymakers in developing targeted measures to establish sustainable measures within SMEs, emphasizing the importance of understanding their sustainable transition comprehensively.