Identifying Enablers of Digital Transformation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Systematic Literature Review

This study conducts a systematic literature review of 139 articles published between 2018 and 2023, focusing on the enablers of digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Digital transformation enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, market reach, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. This research identifies key success factors by examining internal and external enablers, including leadership, employee skills, financial and technological resources, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and consumer behaviour. While existing literature reviews often focus on large enterprises or take a generic approach, this study addresses the gap by exploring the unique characteristics and challenges faced by SMEs. It offers originality through a targeted investigation of SME-specific enablers, bridging the disparity between SME needs and broader digital transformation research. By synthesising recent literature, the study provides fresh insights into this underexplored area. The abstracts of the selected articles were analysed using a qualitative synthesis approach, offering a comprehensive understanding of SME-specific factors. The study also evaluates the distribution of articles by research methodologies and publication dates to track evolving trends. It emphasises the importance of strong leadership, resource capabilities, and external market insights in crafting effective digital strategies, supporting SMEs to achieve sustainable growth in the digital era.