Framework for Quantitative Evaluation of ESG Adoption within SME Supply Chains in Emerging Economies

Small and medium enterprises constitute the backbone of supply chains in emerging economies, yet their environmental, social, and governance practices remain inadequately measured and understood. This study develops a comprehensive quantitative framework for evaluating ESG adoption among SMEs operating within supply chains of emerging markets. The framework integrates multi-dimensional assessment metrics that account for resource constraints, institutional voids, and contextual factors unique to developing economies. Through systematic analysis of existing measurement approaches and their limitations in SME contexts, this research proposes a weighted scoring mechanism that balances standardization with contextual sensitivity. The framework incorporates both leading and lagging indicators across environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance structures, while acknowledging the heterogeneity of SME capabilities and developmental stages. Validation through application to supply chain networks in three emerging economies demonstrates the framework's utility in identifying improvement opportunities and facilitating targeted interventions. This research contributes to closing the measurement gap in sustainable supply chain management by providing practitioners and policymakers with actionable tools for assessing and enhancing ESG performance among SME suppliers. The proposed framework addresses the critical need for scalable evaluation methods that can drive meaningful sustainability outcomes without imposing prohibitive compliance burdens on resource-constrained enterprises