The Digital Transformation of SMEs and Territorial Economic Development: a Systematic Review and Literature Analysis

Abstract

Nowadays, digital transformation is a major challenge for all companies, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. Due to Industry 4.0 and increasing competition, SMEs are increasingly required to use digital technologies in order to enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and resilience. In this context, the impact of the digital transformation of SMEs on territorial economic development is increasingly attracting the attention of scientific and political researchers. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the digital transformation of SMEs on territorial economic development. By conducting a systematic review and a thorough bibliometric analysis, we have mapped the state of research on this topic and identified trends, gaps, and major perspectives.
The results of this study highlight the growing importance of digital transformation for SMEs as a catalyst for territorial economic development. The four identified research areas offer new opportunities for researchers and policymakers, highlighting the essential issues to consider in order to maximize the impact of digital transformation on territorial economic development.