Abstract
Despite the growing need to understand how SMEs deal with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), its adoption process and organizing remain underexplored to date. Therefore, we propose to take a closer look at how SMEs decide to voluntarily collaborate on CSR within cross-sector partnerships as one possible path to finding innovative solutions to adopting strategic CSR. To date, we have little knowledge on how SMEs use the time and resources that is dedicated to engaging in networking with their peers and partners on CSR. We also have little knowledge on how SMEs use business support on CSR. To extend knowledge on strategic CSR in the specific context of SMEs, we take a qualitative approach, using a single case study of a regional SME-driven CSR network in France. Our exploratory case study broadens the existing knowledge on SME CSR by exposing the links and modalities of SME participation in collaborative work on strategic CSR. SMEs that strive to develop their CSR strategy are integrated into local cross-sector networks to gain knowledge, skills, and create business links based on shared values and needs. We argue that SMEs use collaborative networks to build their CSR strategy. Voluntary, long-term collaboration within a stakeholder network on CSR gives firms the up-to-date information, tools, skills and contacts. This continuous engagement helps build their organizational capabilities and to handle changes and uncertainty in the market.