ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive and systematic bibliometric analysis of digital transformation research in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study aims to identify publication trends, influential publications, leading authors, major contributing institutions, key countries, dominant subject areas, core keywords, and emerging research gaps within this rapidly evolving field. Methodology: This study adopts a bibliometric analysis approach using advanced tools, including VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and OpenRefine. Data were collected from the Scopus database based on title searches, then carefully cleaned and harmonized using both automated tools and manual verification. A total of 383 publications were included in the final dataset. Various analytical techniques were applied to extract tables, networks, and visualizations representing publication trends, citation structures, and thematic evolution. Results: The findings reveal a significant and rapid growth in digital transformation research in SMEs over the period 2016–2026, with a notable peak in 2025, indicating the increasing importance of this field. The analysis shows that the field is highly interdisciplinary, with a strong concentration in Business, Management, and Accounting. Citation metrics demonstrate a high academic impact, with a total of 14,173 citations and an average of 36.99 citations per document. The results also highlight influential publications and authors, as well as the dominance of China in research productivity and Italy in citation impact. Keyword and thematic analyses indicate that core topics such as “digital transformation,” “SMEs,” and “dynamic capabilities” are central, while emerging themes such as artificial intelligence and digital maturity present new research opportunities. Furthermore, the study identifies a notable gap related to the limited integration of social media within the digital transformation literature. Limitations: This study is limited to the Scopus database and focuses only on English-language journal publications. Future studies may expand the analysis by including other databases such as Web of Science (WOS) and exploring additional document types to provide a more comprehensive perspective. Originality/Value: This study provides one of the most comprehensive bibliometric analyses of digital transformation in SMEs, offering valuable insights into the structure, development, and future directions of the field. By systematically mapping research trends and identifying gaps, this study contributes to both academic knowledge and practical understanding, serving as a useful reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in digital transformation.
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