Digital transformation: a lever for innovation in SME CSR practices

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing major changes in a rapidly evolving business ecosystem, while pressure to become more sustainable continues to intensify. Our analysis of 35 peer-reviewed academic research articles published between 2015 and 2024, based on a scientific literature review, presents how digital tools improve the quality of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and environmental footprint. The results of our study highlight that the digitalization process not only paves the way for the evolution of CSR but also helps bridge the gap between SMEs and their business objectives and community and environmental solutions. However, problems such as unequal distribution of access to digital resources and lack of technical skills persist. One of the solutions proposed in our article to overcome these problems is to improve people's digital skills and establish public-private partnerships. Although digital instruments hold promise for the future, the situation is generally not conducive to their successful and equitable integration into CSR strategies. Therefore, support mechanisms designed according to the characteristics of each entity remain necessary. Finally, our research confirms that the digital trend is a key factor in the sustainable transformation of SMEs. Keywords: Digital transformation, CSR, SMEs, innovation, sustainability.