Organizational Innovation in SMEs: A PRISMA-Based Review of Digital Transformation Research (2020–2024)

Abstract

This article presents a PRISMA-based systematic literature review of 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024, examining the impact of digitalization on organizational innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The review reveals that digitalization is a multidimensional process influenced by internal capabilities, sectoral contexts, and ecosystem dynamics. Organizational innovation is the most prominent outcome, shaped by technologies such as AI, IoT, digital platforms, and blockchain. The review also uncovers enablers and barriers to innovation, and critically assesses the theoretical frameworks mobilized in the field. The study contributes by offering an integrated synthesis across four research questions and proposes a future research agenda to address identified gaps. The findings have both theoretical and managerial implications for academics, policymakers, and SME practitioners.