TECHNOLOGY-BASED SMES DEVELOPMENT: BIG OPPORTUNITIES OR NEW RISKS?

Abstract

This study analyzes the opportunities and risks in the development of technology-based SMEs through bibliometric analysis, focusing on trends, challenges, and their impact on the growth and competitiveness of SMEs. Using VOSviewer software, data from 934 papers published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed to map relationships between relevant research themes, including SME technology transformation, digital adoption, and e-commerce. The mapping results indicate that most studies highlight opportunities, such as the adoption of Fintech, IoT, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and e-commerce solutions, which significantly enhance operational efficiency and business value creation. However, challenges such as technological implementation and limited resources in SMEs have also been identified. Emerging research topics include the role of smart technologies, machine learning applications for business optimization, and the impact of technological entrepreneurship on sustainable development. The findings suggest that the development of technology-based SMEs offers more opportunities than risks. This research contributes to identifying potential future research directions and offers insights into the factors influencing technological innovation adoption in small businesses. The results are expected to guide researchers and stakeholders in designing effective strategies to support the sustainable digital transformation of SMEs.