Cloud Computing Adoption as a Socio‐Technical System: A Multidisciplinary Systematic Review

ABSTRACT In a previous study, cloud computing was consistently employed in both technical and behavioural contexts during implementation discussions across sectors and regions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), government agencies, healthcare institutions, and educational organizations are among the sectors most affected by digital transformation. These sectors often face limitations related to infrastructure readiness, regulatory compliance requirements, financial constraints, and digital literacy. These challenges influence how cloud computing technologies are adopted, integrated, and governed within organizational environments. This study explores cloud computing adoption as a socio‐technical trend, in which users, government, and environmental factors interact with technology's capabilities. In this study, 186 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2025 were analyzed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a systematic and transparent review process. After the screening and eligibility assessment, 57 articles were retained for the final analysis. This review compares how cloud computing is described with guidance from recognised models, such as the diffusion of innovations theory, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the technology acceptance model, and the technology–organization–environment framework. The findings indicate that, particularly in developing countries, differences in digital literacy, infrastructure capabilities, and government influence affect cloud computing adoption outcomes. Therefore, this paper proposes a socio‐technical adoption paradigm to improve the understanding of cloud computing implementation. The framework also supports future research and provides guidance for practical digital transformation planning. This study enhances understanding of cloud computing implementation as a socio‐technical activity and offers insights for researchers, policymakers, and organizational decision‐makers.