Smart data, smart communities: how analytics propel SME growth in emerging economies

Mehrdad Maghsoudi, Hajer Jarrar, Navid Mohammadi and Charbel Salloum

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2025, vol. 20, issue 3, 677-693

Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of data-driven business development (DDBD) on SME performance using the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework, providing empirical insights on DDBD’s influence on financial, customer, internal business process and learning and growth dimensions.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative methodology was employed, collecting data from 198 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a structured questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyzed the relationships between DDBD and the BSC perspectives.FindingsDDBD significantly impacts all four BSC dimensions, with the strongest effect on learning and growth, followed by internal business process, customer and financial performance. DDBD enables SMEs to leverage data for strategic decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on SMEs within one country, limiting generalizability. Future research should include cross-regional studies and longitudinal analysis to evaluate long-term impacts.Practical implicationsThis paper provides actionable insights for SME managers and policymakers to implement data-driven strategies for performance optimization.Social implicationsDDBD in SMEs supports economic development by enhancing resilience and fostering job creation.Originality/valueThis study integrates the resource-based view (RBV) theory with empirical evidence, showcasing DDBD as a critical capability for sustainable growth and competitive advantage, particularly in emerging economies.

Keywords: Data-driven business development; SME performance; Balanced scorecard; Resource-based view; Emerging economies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jecpps:jec-05-2025-0155

DOI: 10.1108/JEC-05-2025-0155

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