The role of digital transformation in the internationalization process – a synthesis and way forward

Purpose This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes how digital transformation (DT) shapes the internationalization process (IP) of firms. It develops an integrative, theory-informed framework that links antecedents, barriers, capabilities and outcomes to digital business models (e.g., platform, subscription, freemium). The review addresses fragmentation across international business, strategy, and information systems, clarifying the mechanisms through which DT enables cross-border entry, scaling and performance. It also delineates research gaps and offers a future agenda and decision-relevant guidance for managers. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a systematic literature review of Scopus-indexed, peer-reviewed journals, applying qualitative thematic analysis to 31 articles published between 1973 and 2025 across the DT and IP literature. Findings This review identifies important dominant themes that structure the field: antecedents (external and internal), processes that include barriers (technological, organizational and institutional), capabilities, business models (platform, subscription and freemium) and outcomes (market entry, performance and competitiveness), which shape the internationalization process. Originality/value The study bridges fragmented research streams on DT and IP, offering a theoretically grounded framework that integrates organizational, institutional and resource-based perspectives. We also propose a future research agenda based on dynamic capabilities, institutional voids and sector-specific transformation.