Unlocking SME Potential Through Digital Transformation: A Study Of Emerging Market Dynamics
Keywords:
Digital transformation; SMEs; emerging markets; performance metrics; customer engagement; sustainability.Abstract
This meta-analysis examines the multifaceted impact
of digital transformation on Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets, focusing
on operational performance, customer engagement,
and sustainability outcomes. Through a systematic
review of 30 studies spanning 2015-2024, we identify
common patterns, contradictions, and knowledge
gaps in existing research. Our analysis reveals that
digital adoption yields positive performance
outcomes across multiple dimensions, particularly in
operational efficiency (average 23% improvement)
and market reach (average 31% expansion).
However, implementation challenges persist, with
resource constraints and digital literacy gaps
presenting significant barriers. The benefits of
digitalization are nonlinear and contingent upon
contextual factors including market dynamics,
institutional support, and internal capabilities. These
findings inform a proposed integrated framework
that conceptualizes digital transformation as a
progressive capability-building process rather than a
binary adoption decision. This study contributes to
both scholarly understanding and practical policy
development by synthesizing fragmented literature
into coherent insights for SME stakeholders in
emerging economic contexts.
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