Mapping the Intellectual Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of SME Internationalization Research

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered the backbone of the Economy, survival as a significant source of employment, wealth creation, and poverty alleviation. However, they face challenges for survival as well as the internationalization of businesses. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the field to identify primary research themes and recommend future directions. Our analysis comprised 336 articles from the Scopus database, published over the period 1980–2023. The researcher identifies the most influential articles and authors based on their citations, publications, and geographical locations. Moreover, the themes, bottlenecks to growth in the literature, and recommended future study options are discussed. Results reveal a significant gap in the literature related to studies in developing countries. Moreover, dynamic capabilities, international entrepreneurship, internationalization Surveys, and developing country analysis are niche themes in this field. The findings of this paper provide significant implications for both the research society and the policymakers. The future research agenda is proposed to investigate capabilities for internationalization of SMEs, international entrepreneurship, and SME digitalization are the most relevant areas to be explored in future research. Future research should employ integrated theoretical frameworks, longitudinal mixed-methods designs, and expanded geographic coverage, including emerging economies.