DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-047-4-0145

THE SUSTAINABILITY TRAJECTORY IN BUSINESS: EXPERIENCES FROM THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Denis Pinka¹, Mariana Sedliačiková¹, Martin Halasz¹

¹ Department of Economics, Management and Business, Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovak Republic

Sustainable business is one of the main strategic factors for businesses that are trying to strengthen their competitiveness and ensure long-term prosperity in a dynamically changing market environment. Business activities in the field of sustainability include specific steps supporting economic, environmental and social balance, while addressing global challenges of sustainable business. Initiatives in sustainable business also strengthen the reputation of businesses and increase their long-term competitive advantage in the market. The presented study focuses on the analysis of sustainable business in the Slovak Republic, examining selected sustainable activities implemented by businesses. Based on a questionnaire survey that included 402 businesses of various sizes and sectors, it was found that the most frequently implemented activities are recycling and waste minimization, as well as the reduction of water and energy consumption. Sustainable activities bring benefits to businesses, such as reduced operating costs, increased image and access to new markets. Despite positive trends in sustainability, differences persist in the intensity of their application in practice. The paper emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to sustainability and the importance of involving employees in the transformation process. The findings provide a basis for further research into effective sustainable business strategies.

Klíčová slova: enterprise, sustainable business, sustainability, sustainable activities, competitive advantage, ecology, Slovak Republic

stránky: 145-154, online: 2025