Bridging Digital Transformation and Sustainability in SMEs: A Bibliometric Insight into Economic and Theoretical Perspectives

Objective: This study aims to map the intellectual structure and research evolution of digital transformation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a specific focus on trends, theoretical frameworks, and alignment with sustainability. It addresses four research questions related to global publication trends, dominant research themes, theoretical foundations, and links to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodology: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 616 open-access journal articles published between 2019 and 2025, retrieved from the Scopus database. The analysis was performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, incorporating co-occurrence network analysis, factorial mapping, and keyword clustering. The findings were interpreted using the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. Findings: The study reveals significant growth in publication numbers after 2021, particularly in Asia and Europe. Four major thematic clusters emerged: technological adoption and innovation, digital capability and competitiveness, sustainability and green practices, and business model adaptation. While RBV and TOE are frequently cited, integration with sustainability perspectives remains limited. Moreover, there is a growing interest in aligning digital transformation with SDGs, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Theoretical and/or Methodological Contributions: This research contributes a structured overview of the intellectual landscape of SME digital transformation studies, highlighting the convergence of digitalization and sustainability discourses. It offers a framework for understanding how digital capabilities and external institutional factors shape transformation processes within SMEs. Research/Practical Implications: The findings offer strategic insights for policymakers and SME practitioners, highlighting key areas such as technological readiness, sustainability alignment, and innovation strategies. The study also identifies theoretical gaps and recommends an interdisciplinary approach to enrich future research on SME digitalization and sustainability. Keywords: SMEs, digital transformation, bibliometric analysis, sustainability, TOE framework, RBV, dynamic capabilities