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Digital transformation of small and medium enterprises: a systematic literature review and an integrative framework

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  • Sonia Ben Slimane
  • Régis Coeurderoy
  • Hatem Mhenni

Abstract

The purpose of this article is two-fold. First it proposes an integrative approach based on reporting cross-disciplinary and complementary literature on effects of digital transformation on SMEs. Second, it identifies the salient managerial dimensions of building a digital transformation strategy at the organizational level for SMEs. For that purpose, we undertook a systematic review of the literature. Our descriptive analysis highlights diverse but diffuse streams of academic literature dealing with the implications of digitization in terms of managerial challenges, with a predominance of “information systems and knowledge management” and “strategic” perspectives. In the content analysis, we identify an integrative framework of three managerial dimensions that should be viewed interdependently to succeed digital transformation in SMEs and thus should drive strategic change in a transformational context: (1) Rethinking digital infrastructures and processes and digital manager involvement, (2) Implementing new organizational and managerial mechanisms and (3) Identifying the responsibility of senior management in orchestrating change. Finally, the article outlines avenues for future research and underscores the need for a cross-disciplinary approach to support SMEs digital transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Ben Slimane & Régis Coeurderoy & Hatem Mhenni, 2022. "Digital transformation of small and medium enterprises: a systematic literature review and an integrative framework," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(2), pages 96-120, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mimoxx:v:52:y:2022:i:2:p:96-120
    DOI: 10.1080/00208825.2022.2072067
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    Cited by:

    1. Syed Imran Zaman & Sobia Jamil & Syed Ahsan Ali Zaman & Yushi Jiang, 2025. "Engaging the Modern Workforce: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Individual Factors," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 412-452, March.
    2. Aref Al-Attari & Eman Bani Essa & Fahad Atari, 2025. "A Basic Bibliometric Review of Research on Arab Female Entrepreneurship," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 2620-2649, March.
    3. Kriti Kishor & Sanjeev K. Bansal & Roshan Kumar, 2025. "The Role of Fintech in Promoting Financial Inclusion to Achieve Sustainable Development: An Integrated Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 5664-5692, March.
    4. Sanjana Bhakar & Priti Sharma & Sanjiv Kumar, 2024. "Ownership Structure and Firm Performance: A Comprehensive Review and Empirical Analysis," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 19824-19865, December.
    5. Weilong Wang & Deheng Xiao & Jianlong Wang, 2025. "The Construction of Free Trade Zones Drives Digital Transformation: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Enterprises," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 1204-1235, March.
    6. Rui Tang & Pishi Xiu & Haoxiang Dong, 2025. "Research on Digital Transformation Driving the High-Quality Development of Cultural and Tourism Enterprises—Evidence Based on Listed Cultural and Tourism Companies," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 478-500, March.
    7. Chukwuemeka Valentine Okolo & Jun Wen & Kibir Kolani, 2024. "Research Assessment on the Extreme Social Events in Africa—Evidence from a Bibliometric Analysis Using Web of Science and CiteSpace," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 11449-11494, September.
    8. Timothy Amoako & Hao Chen & Stephen Abiam Danso & Edem Segbefia, 2025. "The Role of Top Management Involvement and Supply Chain Integration on Smes’ Innovation Performance: Moderation Impact of Firm Experience Capability," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 5419-5452, March.
    9. Xiaolong Wang & Di Wang & Yanmin Zhao, 2024. "Managerial Time Orientation, Corporate Resource Allocation, and Firm Resilience," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 19989-20018, December.
    10. Uma Shankar Yadav & Ravindra Tripathi & Ashish Kumar & Rajesh Kumar Shastri, 2025. "Evaluation of Factors Affecting Women Artisans as Entrepreneurs in the Handicraft Sector: A Study on Financial, Digital Technology Factors and Developmental Strategies About ODOP in Uttar Pradesh to B," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 3663-3716, March.
    11. Mo Bi & Zhenke Zhang, 2024. "Exploring the Path of Autonomous Development: the Development Dilemma and Coping Strategies of Sub-Saharan Africa in the Post-epidemic Era," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 5043-5071, March.
    12. Samantha Bryant Steidle & Christopher Glass & Macie Rice & Dale A Henderson, 2024. "Addressing Wicked Problems (SDGs) Through Community Colleges: Leveraging Entrepreneurial Leadership for Economic Development Post-COVID," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 18832-18857, December.
    13. Gaffar Hafiz Sagala & Dóra Őri, 2024. "Toward SMEs digital transformation success: a systematic literature review," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 667-719, December.
    14. Zhengwei Li & Wenxin Li & Yun Fu & Zhoutong Xu & Feirong Wang, 2024. "Does Consideration and Initiating Structure Leadership Help or Hinder Employees’ Creativity? The Role of Psychological Ownership and Time Availability," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 20370-20389, December.
    15. Muhammad Bilal & Zhao Xicang & Wu Jiying & Jan Muhammad Sohu & Sadaf Akhtar & Muhammad Iatzaz Ul Hassan, 2025. "Digital Transformation and SME Innovation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Mediating and Moderating Effects," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 1153-1182, March.
    16. Alfonso Expósito & Amparo Sanchis-Llopis & Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis, 2024. "Entrepreneur’s Gender and SMEs Performance: the Mediating Effect of Innovations," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 11877-11911, September.

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