Abstract
This paper will explore the critical role of sustainability-oriented partnerships in driving transformation in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Amidst societal, organisational, and personal challenges, SMEs confront unique barriers in adopting sustainability practices. This study will introduce these barriers while highlighting the enablers that can facilitate SMEs in integrating sustainability into their core operations. Highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaborations, the paper presents a conceptual model to navigate sustainability challenges built upon dynamic capabilities, stakeholder, and institutional theories. The model aims to foster resource sharing, collaborative innovation, and adherence to institutional norms, enhancing SMEs' competitive advantage and resilience. We set out plans to undertake empirical testing to validate the proposed framework and suggest a future research agenda that includes longitudinal and comparative case studies to understand the evolution of sustainability practices in SMEs across different contexts.