Investigating the Strategic Role of Digital Transformation Path of SMEs in the Era of COVID-19: A Bibliometric Analysis Using R

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent increased use of digital tools can be seen as an incentive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to the digital age. SMEs, whose resilience and adaptability had already been tested during the previous period of the global financial crisis, were called upon to face a new emergency. The aim of this paper is twofold: (i) to investigate the evolution of digital transformation in small and medium enterprises during the pandemic of COVID-19 and (ii) to highlight the main research trends of digital transformation in the post-pandemic era. To approach these issues, a bibliometric analysis based on R package was conducted and examined 765 articles that were published in the timespan of 2014–2022. In the current bibliometric analysis, a range of indicators were applied, such as co-citation analysis of both sources and institutions, the annual scientific production, country collaboration map, world tree map and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The bibliometric software of Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used as the main tools to process the data and contributed to the visualization of the results. Findings of the research show that emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning and 3D printing have started integrating SMEs in their business models. In addition, the technology–organization–environment framework (TOE) has emerged as a niche theme in the research field of digital transformation of SMEs. The above reveals the willingness and the effort of SMEs to adapt to the new circumstances created by the pandemic of COVID-19, by transforming their business models from conventional to digital one. The social media model is also highlighted, as a new product development of SMEs during the crisis of pandemic of COVID-19. The intention to adopt both TOE business model and social media are significantly influenced by emerging technologies and can raise the awareness of government to support SMEs in this effort.

Analisis Bibliometrik Transformasi Digital dalam Fungsional Bisnis: Tinjauan Komprehensif atas Penelitian dan Pendekatan Strategis

“…Ekosistem kolaboratif, inovasi terbuka, dan kemitraan telah disoroti sebagai sarana untuk memanfaatkan keahlian eksternal dan mendorong inovasi. Literatur juga menggarisbawahi pentingnya customer-centricity, yang menekankan perlunya menyelaraskan inisiatif transformasi digital dengan preferensi dan ekspektasi pelanggan yang terus berkembang (Ragazou et al, 2022;Sofronijević et al, 2017;Straková et al, 2020).…”

SMEs’ Internationalization: Mapping the Field through Finance, ITC, and Social Ties

“…Hence, we really wanted to consider these documents in our study. Additionally, many recent bibliometric studies in the same field have selected Scopus as a major database [18,20].…”

“…Moreover, recent studies in the same nature have focused on particular contexts or areas. For instance, Molina-García et al [18] have shed light on financial literacy in SMEs; Bartolacci et al [19] have discussed sustainability in SMEs; and Ragazou et al [20] have studied digital transformation in the field of SMEs. In particular, there is no study in small business literature that describes the current streams of research, missing gaps and future research directions based on the relationships among financial resources, IT and networking and SMEs' internationalization.…”

Does digital transformation increase firms' productivity perception? The role of technostress and work engagement

“…Studies have been performed to advance understanding of the phenomenon of DT and its characteristics (Mahraz et al, 2019;de Bem Machado, 2022). The exhaustive review by Ragazou et al (2022) of 765 post-pandemic articles published 2014-2022 shows that companies have begun to integrate emerging technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and 3D printing into their business models. In addition, the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework shows the relevance of the niche in the field of DT research on SMEs.…”

“…, 2019; de Bem Machado, 2022). The exhaustive review by Ragazou et al . (2022) of 765 post-pandemic articles published 2014–2022 shows that companies have begun to integrate emerging technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and 3D printing into their business models.…”