Parameters of sustainability: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis with respect to micro enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough analysis of the literature on the parameters of sustainability of the micro-enterprises. It seeks to provide an organizing framework to identify research gaps and future directions. Using data from Web of Science and Scopus, the study offers insights into key trends, authorship and thematic shifts, informing future research design and positioning. Design/methodology/approach Researchers used a systematic review methodology, gathering data from Web of Science and Scopus databases. R Studio software facilitated bibliometric analysis. This study scrutinized research papers to construct an organizing framework and identify thematic trends in sustainability parameters for micro-enterprises. Findings The review presents a comprehensive overview of sustainability parameters in micro-enterprises, revealing significant research trends, key authors, countries and journals. It identifies gaps and suggests future research directions, aiding in the design and positioning of forthcoming studies in this domain. Research limitations/implications Limitations may include the scope of databases accessed and potential biases in the selected literature. Future studies could explore additional databases or incorporate qualitative analyses for deeper insights into sustainability parameters in micro-enterprises. Practical implications This study offers practical insights for policymakers, practitioners and researchers by highlighting key sustainability parameters in micro-enterprises. It informs decision-making processes concerning resource allocation, policy formulation and support mechanisms for sustainable development. Social implications Understanding sustainability parameters in micro-enterprises has significant social implications, particularly for vulnerable groups like craftsmen, women and young entrepreneurs. By addressing these parameters, interventions can enhance livelihoods and contribute to broader socio-economic development. Originality/value By providing a thorough analysis of sustainability factors in micro-enterprises and applying bibliometric analysis to shed light on research trends, this paper adds to the body of literature. Its organized framework identifies gaps and guides future research, offering value to scholars, policymakers and practitioners invested in sustainable development at the grassroots level.