Exploring the Nexus Between Digital Transformation and MSME Performance: A Global Bibliometric Review

Digital transformation has become a pivotal force in shaping the competitiveness and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide. As these enterprises increasingly adopt digital tools to enhance productivity, customer engagement, and market reach, scholarly interest in the intersection of digitalization and MSME performance has grown significantly. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 986 peer-reviewed publications from 2010 to 2024, sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Using tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the study maps the evolution of academic discourse, identifies prolific authors, institutions, and countries, and uncovers key thematic clusters related to digital transformation, e-commerce, fintech, innovation, and performance measurement. The results indicate a sharp post-2020 surge in research, with India and China leading in publication volume, while the United States maintains dominance in citation impact. Despite growing attention, the literature remains fragmented, with limited empirical performance assessments and cross-regional comparisons. The study highlights significant research gaps, particularly regarding micro-enterprises, implementation challenges, and outcome-based evaluations. It concludes by emphasizing the need for more collaborative, interdisciplinary, and impact-oriented research to support the digital evolution of MSMEs across diverse socio-economic contexts.