THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SME RESILIENCE: LOOKING BACK TO LOOK FORWARD
TL;DR
Findings reveal a research emphasis on the coping phase of resilience, with the anticipation and adaptation stages being less explored, and offers SME managers actionable insights to strategically prioritise digital investments across all resilience stages.
Abstract
Resilience in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has gained increasing attention due to their critical role in global economies and vulnerability to diverse disruptions. This study conducts a systematic literature review that examines the current state of research on the role of digital transformation in SME resilience, aiming to advance theoretical development and guide future inquiry. Drawing on data from both Scopus and Web of Science, and covering peer-reviewed research published between 2000 and 2024, the review identifies key thematic clusters (operational tools, intelligence and analytics, integration and infrastructure, innovation and strategic capabilities, and organisational capacities) and highlights predominant theoretical lenses, including the dynamic capabilities view (DCV) and the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm. Findings reveal a research emphasis on the coping phase of resilience, with the anticipation and adaptation stages being less explored. From a practical perspective, the review offers SME managers actionable insights to strategically prioritise digital investments across all resilience stages and encourages government policymakers to develop tailored support policies that foster digital adoption and resilience-building.