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Digital Transformation in SMEs: Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Era: A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Aikaterini Petropoulou

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

  • Erasmia Angelaki

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

  • Ioannis Rompogiannakis

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

  • Ioannis Passas

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

  • Alexandros Garefalakis

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

  • Georgios Thanasas

    (Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 714 10 Iraklio, Greece)

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative bibliometric analysis of digital transformation in small and medium enterprises, focusing on before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the Scopus database, the study analyzes 1566 articles published between 2001 and 2024, focusing on pre-COVID (2001–2018) and post-COVID (2019–2024). Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, were employed to conduct performance analysis, scientific mapping, and co-occurrence analyses of keywords and co-authorship. The results demonstrate a substantial increase in research output post-COVID, particularly in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and e-commerce. These technologies have become vital for the survival and competitiveness of SMEs in the post-pandemic world. However, the study also highlights significant challenges, including limited financial resources and a lack of skilled personnel, which have hindered SMEs’ ability to implement digital transformation fully. Government intervention, through financial assistance and strategic support, is identified as crucial in enabling SMEs to overcome these obstacles and successfully navigate the digital era. This analysis contributes to the growing body of literature on SMEs’ digitalization, offering key insights for policymakers, researchers, and businesses aiming to adapt to the evolving digital landscape in a post-pandemic economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Aikaterini Petropoulou & Erasmia Angelaki & Ioannis Rompogiannakis & Ioannis Passas & Alexandros Garefalakis & Georgios Thanasas, 2024. "Digital Transformation in SMEs: Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Era: A Comparative Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10536-:d:1534194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Konstantina Ragazou & Ioannis Passas & Georgios Sklavos, 2022. "Investigating the Strategic Role of Digital Transformation Path of SMEs in the Era of COVID-19: A Bibliometric Analysis Using R," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Swen Nadkarni & Reinhard Prügl, 2021. "Digital transformation: a review, synthesis and opportunities for future research," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 71(2), pages 233-341, April.
    4. Hess, Thomas & Matt, Christian & Benlian, Alexander & Wiesböck, Florian, 2016. "Options for Formulating a Digital Transformation Strategy," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 81032, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    5. Xiao Han & Yang Zheng, 2022. "Driving Elements of Enterprise Digital Transformation Based on the Perspective of Dynamic Evolution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
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