1. The 2030 Agenda and the landscape of SMEs in Europe

This introductory module is designed to present learners with a comprehensive overview of the sustainability goals and targets of the UN 2030 Agenda and to introduce them to the complex landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe. This knowledge base is essential for comprehending more advanced and nuanced aspects in subsequent modules.

The course will be accompanied by references to articles, videos and other external resources to further explore the topics addressed. This encourages independent exploration, reinforces key knowlege and helps learners understand why these topics are important in the broader context of sustainable business practices, demonstrating the practical applications of the knowledge they will gain.

Upon completing this module, learners are expected to be able to recognise and briefly describe all the terms and concepts of the 2030 Agenda and distinguish between the different sectors in which SMEs operate.