Digital transformation and its impact on the competitiveness of SMEs in the retail sector: A systematic review

Resumen

The advance of digitalization is positioned as a determining factor in improving competitiveness in the field of retail, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This analysis explores how the integration of advanced technological tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), e-commerce and other important enterprise information technology tools, in the operational efficiency and market competitiveness of SMEs in the retail sector. Through the PRISMA approach, 21 relevant research published since 2020 in the Scopus database were identified and selected to explore the main challenges, including resistance to change, technology integration costs, and skills gaps. The results obtained underscore substantial advances in areas such as demand estimation and inventory optimization and customer experience thanks to the adoption of omnichannel platforms and predictive models. However, notable gaps persist in blockchain adoption and in aligning business culture with digital strategies. This study offers valuable insights into best practices, success factors and barriers for retail SMEs in transition to digital environments. It is crucial to carry out additional studies that analyze how technology adoption varies according to the particularities of each region. and the long-term sustainability of digital innovations in this sector.