Digital Transformation and Its Impact on the Competitiveness of SMEs in the Retail Sector: A Systematic Review

Lau Guevara R.A.; Rodriguez Alvarez S.R.; Roca Becerra R. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.550

Resumen

The advance of digitalization is positioned as a determining factor in improving competitiveness in the retail field, 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 solutions, and other enterprise information technology platforms, affects operational efficiency and market positioning of retail SMEs. Using the PRISMA framework, 21 peer-reviewed studies published since 2020 and indexed in Scopus were identified and examined for common themes, challenges, and outcomes. 57% of these studies analyze the combined deployment of two or more technologies (for example, AI + Big Data or AI + ML + omnichannel), whereas 43% focus on a single-tool implementation. This distinction clarifies whether firms adopt the technologies simultaneously or independently and shows that synergistic roll-outs generate the greatest gains in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and customer experience. Main obstacles include resistance to organizational change, integration costs, and skills gaps, while notable gaps persist in blockchain adoption and in aligning corporate culture with digital strategies. The review distills best practices, success factors, and barriers for retail SMEs in transition to digital environments and underscores the need for additional region-specific research and long-term evaluations of digital-innovation sustainability in this sector.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú