Building Resilient SMEs with Organizational Readiness Insights: A Comprehensive Review

Focusing on research published in 2024, the study explores the readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the lens of the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The review aims to provide a thorough understanding of organizational readiness in this context. The study addresses the limited understanding of how SMEs are prepared to adopt technology in the context of sustainability, innovation, and Industry 4.0 transformations. Using the PRISMA framework, an extensive search utilized well-known databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, resulting in the selection and analysis of 22 key research articles. The results are grouped into three key themes: (1) Adoption of Technology in SMEs, (2) Innovation & Industry 4.0, and (3) Sustainability & Organizational Readiness. The results emphasize the critical role of organizational readiness in enabling SMEs to successfully adopt technology, foster innovation, and integrate sustainability practices. The study concludes that SMEs must enhance their technological capabilities and align their organizational structures with Industry 4.0 and sustainability demands to remain competitive. This review provides significant implications for decision makers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to assist SMEs in transitioning to digital processes and sustainability efforts, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve the readiness of organizations to adapt to changing technological and environmental challenges.