Robotic Process Automation in Business Process Management: A Systematic Literature Review and an Integrated Framework

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as a significant technology within Business Process Management (BPM), yet the academic literature remains fragmented. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of RPA in BPM, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and synthesizing 83 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025. Systematic content analysis identifies six thematic dimensions: (1) process identification and selection; (2) implementation and life cycle management; (3) benefits and performance outcomes; (4) challenges and barriers; (5) technology integration; and (6) governance and organizational impact. These dimensions are synthesized into a conceptual integrated framework comprising three pillars—strategic alignment, operational execution, and continuous improvement—grounded in BPM theory and dynamic capabilities. The framework, while not empirically validated in this study, provides a theoretical foundation for future research and practice. Emerging themes include expanding sectoral breadth, empirical adoption model validation, and heightened focus on governance and sociotechnical work transformation. This review contributes a comprehensive thematic synthesis of RPA within BPM and offers a theory-grounded conceptual framework to guide researchers and practitioners in navigating intelligent process automation.