Unpacking Digital Empowerment of MSMEs in Developing Economies: A Bibliometric Analysis and Social Implications from a Digital Ecosystem Perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigates the evolution, structure, and future directions of scholarly discourse on the digital empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing economies. Using bibliometric techniques via Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, the study analyzed 217 Scopus-indexed articles (2014–2025), focusing on digital capability, collaboration, and ecosystem support. Findings for RQ1 indicate a surge in publications post-2020, reflecting increased global attention to MSME digital resilience. However, co-authorship and institutional patterns reveal North-South imbalances and limited South-South collaborations. RQ2 findings reveal fragmented thematic clusters that emphasize technological and managerial lenses, with underrepresented social and institutional themes, suggesting the need for broader, integrative frameworks. Thematic evolution and co-citation mapping indicate a shift toward collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable innovation constructs. For RQ3, the study synthesizes findings into five strategic policy pillars: (1) expanding digital infrastructure, (2) fostering capability-building programs, (3) aligning with SDGs, (4) promoting inclusive ecosystem partnerships, and (5) implementing adaptive policy mechanisms. This research extends the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory by incorporating insights on social equity and governance, while providing practical guidance for inclusive and resilient digital strategies among MSMEs. Limitations include database and language bias; future research should adopt mixed-method, equity-oriented approaches to examine longitudinal and regional variations in MSME transformation. Keywords: MSMEs, Digital Transformation, Bibliometric Analysis, Developing Economies, Innovation Ecosystems, Social Inclusion