Firm Size and Sustainability Certifications: Understanding Business Economic Drivers in Certification Adoption

This study explores how firm size influences sustainability certification adoption in Italy. Expanding from a regional to a national scope, a two-step methodology is used: web-scraping to assess how firms present certifications online and statistical analysis correlating adoption rates with firm size, revenue, and industry sector. Findings indicate that larger firms are more likely to obtain certifications due to financial resources and stakeholder pressure, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cost and operational barriers. Industry-specific trends show higher certification rates in manufacturing and export-driven sectors. The study highlights the need for policy support, such as financial incentives and streamlined certification processes, to enhance SME participation and promote broader sustainability adoption in Italy’s business environment.