Information and communication technology in SMEs: a systematic literature review

Abstract

AbstractThe adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in small- and medium-sized firms (SMEs) is steadily increasing. However, the implementation of ICT in SMEs is hindered by constraints, such as limited financial resources, lack of ICT knowledge, and reluctance to change. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze prevalent patterns, obstacles and influences that impact the adoption of ICT in SMEs in developing nations. In addition, this study aims to provide recommendations on the most effective methods to optimize the utilization of ICT in these contexts. This review is conducted using a sample of 25 publications that have been published and are available in the Scopus database. The selection process focuses on works that have received significant citations and have been published between 2014 and 2023. The PRISMA statement form was utilized to elucidate the comprehensive procedure of selecting and accepting pertinent publications. This research makes two distinct contributions. The writers begin by doing a thorough literature analysis to examine the progress of ICT in the past decade. They next emphasize noteworthy research discoveries in this field. Furthermore, the authors give a comprehensive analysis of the ICT literature by quantifying yearly publications and identifying SMEs that primarily utilize ICT, academic journals that publish pertinent articles, and ICT-related publications across various fields and areas in developing nations. The study also discloses the papers, journals, and authors that have received the highest number of citations. The author's final argument in the paper is that, despite the extensive research conducted in the field of ICT, there is a necessity to customize strategies and policies that can support SMEs in the ICT sector, particularly in developing countries.