The case explores a dilemma faced by many SMEs: how to balance green and digital transformation with workforce inclusion. Set in a German automotive supplier, it focuses on the challenges of supporting older employees during organisational change and encourages students to discuss how a Just Transition can be achieved without compromising competitiveness, sustainability, or social inclusion.

This teaching case is the result of a wonderful collaboration between colleagues in Germany and Lithuania, which started during the DEI4SME Hackathon in Lithuania. A heartfelt thank you to the co-authors: Joana and Karl Daniel. And special thanks also to our reviewers: Professor Dr Katharina Spraul, Professor of Business Administration, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Germany; Ms Audronė Masandukaitė, International Business Development Expert, Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Lithuania. Their expertise and constructive feedback greatly strengthened both the teaching case and the accompanying Teaching Notes.