<2025 Fiscal Year 4th Quarter SME Management Survey> GX Awareness Below 30%, 64.3% Have Not Started
A survey reveals that awareness of GX among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is below 30%, with 64.3% not having started any initiatives.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (3h 56m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 09:00 (394h 4m after Collected)
The Forval GDX Research Institute (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Director: Manabu Taira), which aims to transform small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by leveraging Green (GX) and Digital (DX), conducted the "2025 Fiscal Year 4th Quarter SME Management Survey" targeting SMEs.
In April 2026, the GX-ETS (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme), which puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions, will commence. While the scheme primarily targets emitters of a certain scale, its impact may extend to SMEs through supply chain-wide responses and requests from business partners. On the other hand, this survey revealed that awareness of GX among SMEs is still insufficient, with 70.3% of companies stating they "don't know" or "have heard of it but don't know well," and 64.3% have not yet started any initiatives. Efforts such as measuring emissions and disclosing information are also limited to a small portion. This report organizes and clarifies the current situation regarding GX awareness, initiative status, specific implementation details, and challenges in promotion among SMEs in the face of these changes in the institutional environment.
【Survey Results Summary】
① GX awareness remains low at less than 30%. The low "priority/necessity" continues to be a barrier to starting.
The most common reason for not taking action is "other issues have higher priority." Recognition as a management issue may be lagging compared to DX.
② Challenges in advancing GX initiatives are "difficulty in measuring effects" and "lack of resources."
Environmental improvements beyond self-completion are necessary. In addition to securing specialized personnel and budget, establishing a cross-sectional collaboration system with a view to the entire supply chain is essential.
③ Companies that are advancing initiatives are more likely to feel the effects. Over 80% are positive about future promotion.
66.7% of companies that have progressed to business reform responded that they will "focus and promote." Practice creates a virtuous cycle that enhances motivation.
【Questionnaire Overview】
・Survey Sponsor: Forval GDX Research Institute
・Survey Period: January 14, 2026 - February 13, 2026
・Survey Target: CEOs of SMEs nationwide
・Survey Method: Web-based questionnaire conducted and analyzed
・Valid Responses: 1,647
When using the survey results from this release, please be sure to cite "Survey by Forval GDX Research Institute."
Q1. Awareness of GX
FAQ
What is GX?
GX stands for Green Transformation, which refers to the transformation of businesses by leveraging Green (environmental sustainability) and Digital (digitalization) technologies and strategies.
What is the GX-ETS?
The GX-ETS (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme) is a system that will start in April 2026, which puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions. It primarily targets large emitters but may affect SMEs through supply chains.
What are the main reasons SMEs haven't started GX initiatives?
The primary reasons cited are low perceived priority/necessity, having other more pressing issues, difficulty in measuring effects, and lack of resources (personnel and budget).
What are the benefits for companies that have started GX initiatives?
Companies that have advanced GX initiatives are more likely to feel positive effects and are more motivated to continue. Over 80% of companies that have progressed to business reform are positive about future promotion.
What is needed to promote GX initiatives in SMEs?
There is a need for environmental improvements beyond self-completion, including securing specialized personnel and budget, and establishing cross-sectional collaboration systems that consider the entire supply chain.