Bibliometric Data

This study conducts a bibliometric review of innovation performance within SMEs to synthesize existing research, identify intellectual structures, and provide directions for future inquiry. Despite the growing recognition of innovation performance as a key determinant of SME competitiveness, there has been no comprehensive aggregation of findings to assess the field’s evolution. Using co-citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling, this study uncovers dominant themes, foundational works, and emerging trends. The findings highlight the significance of absorptive capacity, open innovation, and ambidexterity in driving SME innovation performance while emphasizing the need for broader theoretical perspectives, contextual considerations, and methodological diversification in future research. By mapping the intellectual landscape, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of SME innovation performance and offers valuable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to advance the field.