IMPACT OF INDUSTRY 4.0 ON THE INTEGRATION OF SMES INTO GVCS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Kgotso Tsoai (), Arnesh Telukdarie (), Megashnee Munsamy () and Thabile Dube ()
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Kgotso Tsoai: University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Arnesh Telukdarie: University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Megashnee Munsamy: University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Thabile Dube: University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Business Excellence and Management, 2026, vol. 16, issue 1, 24-43

Abstract: The study aims to investigate the integration of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) into global value chains (GVCs) with Industry 4.0 enablement. This integration is essential, yet research on the comprehensive application of Industry 4.0 digital technologies for this purpose is limited. This study addresses the established gap through a systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA methodology to analyze the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on SME integration into global value chains. Utilizing VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis, the research identifies key themes such as innovation, digital transformation, and smart manufacturing, alongside critical technologies like the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The SLR analyzed 955 relevant articles published between 2015 and 2023. The findings reveal a significant lack of comprehensive literature on the integration of SMEs into global value chains, particularly regarding the exploration of technologies such as blockchain, robotics, and cybersecurity, in both academic and industrial settings. There is therefore a need for industry players, academia, and policymakers to establish more targeted strategies for SMEs and global value chain integration in the context of Industry 4.0.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; SMEs; Global value chains; SLR; Bibliometric analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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