Abstract
Existing literature on SMEs and CSR has shown that collective work on CSR brings benefits to SMEs (Bonneveux et Saulquin, 2009; Courrent et al., 2018) and thus helps to overcome the specific difficulties and tensions that SMEs may have compared to larger organizations (Courrent, 2012; Labelle and St Pierre, 2015; Sommer, 2022). While collaborative approaches are often considered a relevant means of encouraging responsible action among SMEs, we have little knowledge on the underlying motivations and mechanisms that promote or limit their positive effects.The study reveals the underlying motivation of the SME owner-manager participation in collaborative work on CSR and how this work should be organized to best fit the particular SME characteristics and needs. Being part of a local innovation network on CSR provides its members with a safe space with trusted local market players that seek to step up their knowledge and capability to face the growing pressure on CSR. Being part of the network legitimizes and reassures its members that their individual investment in CSR strategy and actions is of value as opposed to other external market player CSR practices such as “greenwashing”. The results of the study contribute to the collaborative innovation literature by exposing the motivation and modalities of SME owner-manager participation in collective work on CSR. This deepened understanding can serve policy makers and local authorities to organize relevant support to SMEs on the growing sustainability challenges.