Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups face distinct managerial challenges due to their size, resource constraints, and dynamic environments. This edited volume explores how globalization, digitization, sustainability regulations, and geopolitical crises intensify these challenges. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from management, economics, social sciences, and information systems, the book presents innovative strategies and real-world examples that help SMEs and startups not only navigate adversity but also transform challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. It offers insights into how these firms adapt to shortened innovation cycles, demographic shifts, and competitive pressures, providing a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand and support entrepreneurial resilience and growth.
Alexandra Moritz is Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Business and Management, Hochschule Koblenz – University of Applied Sciences, Germany (since 2022). Former Postdoctoral Researcher and Director of the Research Center for Small and Mid-Sized Firms at Trier University, Germany. Holds a doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) in Entrepreneurship and has over 10 years of experience in the international banking industry.
Sibylle Treude is Professor at the Faculty of Business and Management, Hochschule Koblenz – University of Applied Sciences, Germany (since 2013). Previously Privatdozentin (Associate Professor) at the University of Siegen, Germany (2008–2013), with a Habilitation and Venia Legendi in Economic and Social History. Holds a doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) and a Diplom in Business Administration.
Joern Block is Professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability at Trier University, Germany (since 2012). Completed postdoctoral research at Technische Universität München, Germany, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Holds a doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) and a Diplom in Business Administration from Humboldt University of Berlin.
Arndt Werner is Professor of Management of SMEs and Entrepreneurship at the University of Siegen, Germany (since 2015). Completed his Habilitation and Venia Legendi at the University of Siegen in 2012. Previously served as Project Coordinator and Management Board Member at the Institute for SME Research (IfM Bonn), Germany. Holds a doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) and a Diplom in Business Administration from the University of Cologne.
