TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND SME INTERNATIONALIZATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18937185Keywords:
SMEs, Technology management, Digital transformation, Internationalisation, Export performance, Systematic literature reviewAbstract
Through a thorough analysis of the literature, this study investigates the connection between technologyrelated
competences and the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Existing research is
still geographically focused in developed nations and conceptually divided, despite the growing recognition of innovation
and digital transformation as drivers of export performance. In order to close this gap, the study uses a structured
PRISMA-based selection procedure and quality filtering criteria (Q1–Q3, ABDC, ABS, SSCI-indexed journals) to examine
40 peer-reviewed journal papers published between 2005 and 2025. The results show that innovation capacity, digital
transformation, and strategic technology management are important factors that influence the global expansion of SMEs.
However, transition economies like Uzbekistan, where institutional circumstances and degrees of digital maturity may
have a major impact on these relations, have received little empirical attention. Major theoretical stances, prevailing
methodological patterns, and new research needs in the subject are all identified in the review
References
1. Ramdani, B., Belaid, F., & Goutte, S. (2023). SME internationalisation: do the types of innovation matter?. International
Review of Financial Analysis, 88, 102681.
2. Bargoni, A., Ferraris, A., Vilamová, Š., & Wan Hussain, W. M. H. (2024). Digitalisation and internationalisation in SMEs:
a systematic review and research agenda. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 37(5), 1418-1457.
3. Alguacil, M., et al. (2023). Digitalization and firm international trade: Direct and indirect productivity effects. International
Business Review, 32(4),
4. Elia, S., et al. (2021). Digital resources and export performance: A resource-based perspective. Management
International Review, 61(3), 345–372
5. Liu, F., Gao, J., & Jia, Y. (2025). Cross-border digital platforms and discretionary adaptation strategy of exporters in
emerging markets: The capability building perspective. International Business Review, 34(4), 102427.
6. Smallbone, D., et al. (2024). SME development and internationalisation in transition economies. International Small
Business Journal, 42(1), pages.
7. Zhang, X., et al. (2025). Digital platforms, internal digitalisation, and SME internationalisation. Journal of Business
Research, 172, Article number.
8. Hansen, E. B., & Bøgh, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence and internet of things in small and medium-sized enterprises:
A survey. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 58, 362-372.
9. Matarazzo, P., Penco, L., & Profumo, G. (2020). Digital transformation and internationalisation in Italian SMEs. Sinergie
Italian Journal of Management, 38(3), 19–42.
10. Reim, W., Parida, V., & Sjödin, D. (2022). Business model transformation in SME internationalisation. Journal of
Business Research, 139, 1113–1125.
11. García-Muiña, F. E., González-Sánchez, R., & Ferrari, A. M. (2022). Digital transformation and sustainable development
in SMEs: A conceptual framework integrating the triple bottom line. Sustainability, 16(2660).
12. Restrepo-Morales, J. A., Ararat-Herrera, J. A., López-Cadavid, D. A., & Camacho-Vargas, A. (2024). Breaking the
digitalization barrier for SMEs: a fuzzy logic approach to overcoming challenges in business transformation. Journal of
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13(1), 84.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 GREEN ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.