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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major contributor to economic growth and a potential source of growth and employment globally. This article employs a bibliometric analysis approach to examine 135 research articles focused on the barriers encountered by SMEs and their strategic responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this analysis, we present a conceptual diagram that highlights prominent challenges, including organizational barriers (e.g., financial crisis, liquidity constraints, and reduced purchasing power), operational barriers (e.g., scarcity of skilled workforce and limited access to raw materials), technological barriers (e.g., digitalization and forecasting capabilities), and strategic restrictions (e.g., resource limitations and disruptions in supply chains). We further explore approaches to overcoming these barriers, such as entrepreneurial resilience and innovation. The findings of this review underscore the importance of government policies aimed at supporting SMEs and facilitating their survival in the aftermath of crises. Moreover, given the impact of COVID-19, policies should also prioritize the involvement of SMEs and business owners in decision-making processes related to policy responses and recovery strategies. Plain English Summary: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a large role in boosting the economy and creating jobs worldwide. This article looks at 135 research papers to understand the challenges faced by SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they dealt with them. We made a diagram that shows the main obstacles they faced, like financial problems, lack of skilled workers, difficulties in getting raw materials, and disruptions in supply chains. We also explore different ways SMEs can overcome these challenges, like being resilient and innovative. The findings emphasize the importance of government policies that support SMEs and help them survive after crises. It is crucial that SMEs and business owners have a say in making decisions about policies for dealing with COVID-19 and recovering from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is impacting health, economics and operations around the world. As airports consider strategies to be resilient from this worldwide event, utility cost-savings projects are still tools to support this effort. Some airports are demonstrating that utility-savings projects work in different settings and locations. In addition to reducing energy and water costs, these projects also support sustainability efforts by reducing emissions and supporting other sustainability and resiliency goals. This paper presents some examples of how some airports are achieving this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector provides fuel for much of everyday life, particularly economically and socially. Fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, a well-functioning and resilient energy sector is vital for maintaining the operation of critical infrastructures, including, most importantly, the health sector, and timely economic recovery. Notwithstanding its importance in everyday life and crises, the energy sector itself is currently in a complex and far-reaching transformation to combat climate change whilst supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and society, mainly through the development of variable renewable energy sources (RES) such as wind and solar photovoltaics. This paper highlights the need for energy resilience as countries face the triple challenge of the COVID-19 health crisis, the consequent economic crisis, and the climate crisis. Focusing on Europe, it is advanced here that with the ability to balance fluctuating electricity generation and demand, flexibility allows the energy sector to utilise low-carbon RES reliably, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable energy future. This paper derives five urgent policy recommendations for Europe that address possible impacts of COVID-19 on the economic and societal prerequisites for flexibility in energy systems. • Considers the COVID-19 pandemic as an instigator for change. • Highlights the importance of flexibility for resilient energy systems. • Derives five policy recommendations concerning flexibility in energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]