Digitalization of SMEs: Research Trends, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Research Agenda—A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Keywords:
SME digitalization, systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, research trends, knowledge gaps, digital transformationAbstract
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has accelerated the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), making digitalization an increasingly important research topic. However, the existing literature remains fragmented, making it difficult to identify dominant research themes, emerging trends, and future research directions. This study aims to map the intellectual structure of SME digitalization research, identify prevailing research trends, reveal existing knowledge gaps, and propose a future research agenda. An integrated Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Bibliometric Analysis was employed using publications retrieved from the Scopus database. The article selection process followed the PRISMA 2020 guideline, while bibliometric mapping was conducted using VOSviewer to analyze keyword co-occurrence, thematic evolution, and research density. The findings indicate that the current literature is characterized by a relatively simple and fragmented knowledge structure, with research primarily focusing on marketing, financial management, and digital literacy. Marketing emerged as the most influential research theme, reflecting the growing emphasis on digital technologies to improve business performance and market competitiveness. Nevertheless, advanced topics such as digital capability, artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, digital ecosystems, and organizational digital resilience remain underexplored. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of SME digitalization research and identifying opportunities for future investigations that support more holistic and strategic digital transformation in SMEs.
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