The role of digital transformation as a key driver of competitiveness in small and medium-sized enterprises

Objective: The aim is to identify the main factors reported in the literature regarding digital transformation (DT) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is also to indicate the optimal trend in this field of study. Methodology: The research is based on bibliometric and co-occurrence analyses. VOSviewer software and Power BI were used for the data analysis. Results: The analysis identifies the main gaps in the literature on DT in SMEs. It also highlights key indicators in this body of research, such as the most commonly used methodologies and the specific variables or dimensions of DT that have been frequently studied but require further refinement or deeper exploration. The bibliometric and co-occurrence analyses shed light on critical concepts such as innovation and digital marketing. Limitations: Future studies could adopt a broader approach to enrich the empirical research on SMEs. For instance, studies could examine how some of the key elements outlined in the managerial implications influence the adoption of DT. Practical implications: Clear managerial implications are provided to guide policies to foster DT in SMEs. The paper emphasises the importance of understanding key parameters such as digital skills.