THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN SMES IN THE TARAPACÁ REGION CHILE

Abstract

This study aims to identify the knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the applications of the concept of Circular Economy (CE) by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the different productive sectors of the Tarapacá Region of Chile. The selected methodology is exploratory and descriptive, performing a strategic analysis through SWOT analysis, in addition to the development of the Internal Factors Evaluation Matrix (MEFI) and the External Factors Evaluation Matrix (MEFE), a non-probabilistic sample of 46 SMEs was considered. The study concludes that there are gaps in the fundamentals of SDGs and CE, as well as the low use of processes linked to the SDGs and CE. Therefore, it is important to continue strengthening the dissemination and training to strengthen the knowledge of these paradigms and tools in the Tarapacá Region of Chile for their future incorporation into the value creation strategies of SMEs.