Analyzing digital innovation in SMEs: Methodological frameworks and review of research approaches

Abstract

This paper aims to identify and review Up-to-date research methodological approaches/frameworks used in analysing digital innovation in SMEs. In doing so, a systematic literature review approach was deployed to analyse various methodologies of scholarly articles on the digital innovativeness of SMEs. Following rigorous reviews and analysis, we discuss the reviewed methodologies underpinning digital innovation in the SMEs research field. The review indicates Systematic Literature Review (SLR) as the main research method often used in digital innovativeness research on SMEs. Although, other mixed approaches along the line are equally utilized, identifying significant knowledge gaps about method and context thus proposes novel future directions of research. Thus, the practical implication implies that methodological review is highly essential for future research that aims to understand the dynamics in terms of approaches relevant to the digital innovation research of SMEs. Understanding the changing nature of digital innovation is crucial in soliciting research patterns that will influence the innovativeness of SMEs and hence provide genuine strategic implications. However, the findings of this review are limited to SMEs also one of the few studies to have ever used a theoretical framework in synthesizing research key research approaches in the digital innovation of SMEs. The value of research is to provide a methodological framework for analyzing digital innovation in which both SMEs owners and digital innovation researchers can be used as a reference point in their quest for more informed results.

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