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Mapping the Intellectual Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of SME Internationalization Research

Author

Listed:
  • H.A.B.W. Hettiarachchi

    (Graduate School of Management, Postgraduate Centre, Management and Science University)

  • Siti Khalidah Binti Md Yusoff

    (Graduate School of Management, Postgraduate Centre, Management and Science University)

  • S.M. Ferdous Azam

    (Graduate School of Management, Postgraduate Centre, Management and Science University)

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered the backbone of the Economy, survival as a significant source of employment, wealth creation, and poverty alleviation. However, they face challenges for survival as well as the internationalization of businesses. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the field to identify primary research themes and recommend future directions. Our analysis comprised 336 articles from the Scopus database, published over the period 1980–2023. The researcher identifies the most influential articles and authors based on their citations, publications, and geographical locations. Moreover, the themes, bottlenecks to growth in the literature, and recommended future study options are discussed. Results reveal a significant gap in the literature related to studies in developing countries. Moreover, dynamic capabilities, international entrepreneurship, internationalization Surveys, and developing country analysis are niche themes in this field. The findings of this paper provide significant implications for both the research society and the policymakers. The future research agenda is proposed to investigate capabilities for internationalization of SMEs, international entrepreneurship, and SME digitalization are the most relevant areas to be explored in future research. Future research should employ integrated theoretical frameworks, longitudinal mixed-methods designs, and expanded geographic coverage, including emerging economies.

Suggested Citation

  • H.A.B.W. Hettiarachchi & Siti Khalidah Binti Md Yusoff & S.M. Ferdous Azam, 2026. "Mapping the Intellectual Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of SME Internationalization Research," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(1), pages 749-771, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:1:p:749-771
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Warren J Bilkey & George Tesar, 1977. "The Export Behavior of Smaller-Sized Wisconsin Manufacturing Firms," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 8(1), pages 93-98, March.
    2. Andersen, O. & Buvik, A., 2002. "Firms' internationalization and alternative approaches to the international customer/market selection," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 347-363, June.
    3. Aria, Massimo & Cuccurullo, Corrado, 2017. "bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 959-975.
    4. Peter J Buckley, 1988. "The Limits of Explanation: Testing the Internalization Theory of the Multinational Enterprise," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 19(2), pages 181-193, June.
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