This study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge map of the intellectual structure of sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A systematic literature review was performed on 87 articles published between 2003 and 2023. The analysis was conducted using the bibliometric method of visualizing similarities through bibliographic coupling with VOS Viewer software.
The results reveal the existence of four themes in the research: sustainability frameworks and SMEs control systems (cluster 1), CSR in SMEs (cluster 2), SMEs capabilities and performance (quantitative research) (cluster 3), and global demands for CSR and industrial clusters (cluster 4).
This study provides valuable insights and recommendations for interested researchers on the current state of sustainability research in SMEs, including emerging themes and key literature. It also highlights important research avenues within each emerging theme.
This study provides valuable insight to SME managers and policymakers, indicating that SMEs perceive job creation as the primary expression of social responsibility and primarily focus on internal social practices for employees.
This study complements existing literature reviews by providing a knowledge map of the topic through the identification of main themes in research.
