Title: Towards sustainability in SMEs during unforeseen crises: governmental support as a moderating factor

Authors: Zaid Jaradat; Mohannad Obeid Al Shbail; Abdallah Bader Alzoubi; Huthaifa Al-Hazaima; Awn Al Shbail

Addresses: Department of Accounting, School of Business, Al al-Bayt University, P.O. Box 130040, Mafraq 25113, Jordan ' Department of Accounting, School of Business, Al al-Bayt University, P.O. Box 130040, Mafraq 25113, Jordan ' Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan ' Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan ' Department of Accounting, School of Business, Al al-Bayt University, P.O. Box 130040, Mafraq 25113, Jordan

Abstract: This study proposed a model in determining the key factors affecting SMEs' economic sustainability during the unforeseen severe global crises. Resource-based view theory (RBV) underpinned the study, and questionnaires were used to gather the study data. SME owners, top managers, financial managers and heads of accounting departments were the study samples. The results showed significant positive effect of access to finance, innovation activities, and intellectual property related activities on economic sustainability. The interaction effect between access to finance and government support on economic sustainability appeared to be significant and positive. However, government support did not moderate the link between innovation activities and intellectual property related activities, and economic sustainability. During unforeseen crises, SMEs could employ the study model to determine their survival strategies.

Keywords: sustainability; unforeseen crises; access to finance; innovation activities; property-related activities; governmental support; resource-based view; RBV; SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2026.150776

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2026 Vol.39 No.1, pp.56 - 78

Received: 09 Aug 2022
Accepted: 23 Oct 2022
Published online: 23 Dec 2025 *

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