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Sustainable Digital Transformation Roadmaps for SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto Mick

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Technology-Paraná–UTFPR, Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Brazil)

  • João Luiz Kovaleski

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Technology-Paraná–UTFPR, Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Brazil)

  • Daiane Maria de Genaro Chiroli

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Technology-Paraná–UTFPR, Ponta Grossa 84017-220, Brazil)

Abstract

Sustainable digital transformation in SMEs not only simplifies operations and increases efficiency but also fosters innovation, facilitates data-driven decision-making, and minimizes negative environmental and social impacts, paving the way for a sustainable competitive advantage in the digital age. However, SMEs still face significant barriers to implementing this transformation. In addition to limited financial resources, a critical obstacle is the lack of specific and comprehensible roadmaps. Thus, this paper aims to analyze existing roadmaps for sustainable digital transformation in SMEs. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA and Methodi Ordinatio methods, with data collection and analysis performed using the NVivo 12 and VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20). Content analysis was used to assess how these papers align with the study’s context. The analysis identified whether the roadmaps address aspects related to the triple bottom line (TBL), their specificity to SMEs, the principles of digital transformation they incorporate, and the aspect of digital maturity. The findings indicate that none of the current literature provides a fully developed roadmap for sustainable digital transformation in SMEs. Consequently, future studies are suggested to develop a comprehensive roadmap that addresses these issues. Finally, this study highlights the main gaps and opportunities in each studied roadmap and formulates 14 research questions divided into six categories for future investigation. Addressing these questions can help close the current gaps in the literature and provide SMEs with robust, adaptable, and sustainable digital transformation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto Mick & João Luiz Kovaleski & Daiane Maria de Genaro Chiroli, 2024. "Sustainable Digital Transformation Roadmaps for SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8551-:d:1490702
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    2. Ho, Chia-Yun & Chu, Shen-Wei & Huang, Kuan-Chen & Cheng, Shan-Yun & Li, Cheng-Yi & Chang, Han-Jung & Wan, Terng-Jou, 2025. "Direct ammonia fuel cells: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).

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