Pathways to Sustainable Competitive Advantage for SMEs: A Bibliometric Analysis

Catharina Clara, Sulastri Sulastri () and Ahmad Maulana
Additional contact information
Catharina Clara: Universitas Katolik Musi Charitas
Sulastri Sulastri: Universitas Sriwijaya
Ahmad Maulana: Universitas Sriwijaya

A chapter in Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Management and Business (ICOMB 2024), 2025, pp 78-97 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This conceptual paper develops a framework for building sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in SMEs through intangible resources. Drawing on the Resource-Based Theory, the Resource Advantage Theory of Competition, the Dynamic Capabilities middle-range theory, and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, this study identifies three key exogenous variables: Dynamic Capabilities, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Organizational Agility. Dynamic Capabilities refer to an organization’s adaptability and reconfiguration of competencies in response to environmental changes. Entrepreneurial Orientation encompasses innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking, supporting market opportunity exploitation and competitive edge. Organizational Agility denotes an organization’s flexibility and speed in addressing market demands. Together, these variables build a solid foundation for SCA. Digital Transformation and Innovation Capabilities serve as essential mediators to maximize their impact. Digital Transformation enhances operational efficiency, customer interaction, and new business avenues, while Innovation Capabilities enable the development of market-relevant products and services. AA’s systematic review methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines in developing this framework. Articles were identified from high-quality databases, including Scopus and ScienceDirect, using specific keywords such as Sustainable Competitive Advantage, SMEs, Dynamic Capabilities, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Organizational Agility, Digital Transformation, and Innovation Capabilities. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles published between 2010–2024, directly addressing the constructs of interest. After screening 1,500 articles for relevance and methodological rigor, 162 were included to inform this conceptual paper. The findings provide strategic insights for SMEs to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through technological adaptation and innovation.

Keywords: Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA); Dynamic Capabilities; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Organization Agility; Digital Transformation; Innovation Capabilities; Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:advbcp:978-94-6463-698-7_9

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9789464636987

DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-698-7_9

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().