Business Intelligence for Sustainable Logistics Performance in SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Background: Global logistics generates 16–25% of greenhouse gas emissions, yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies lack the digital infrastructure to measure and improve their sustainability performance. Business intelligence (BI) systems can support data-driven sustainability decisions, but their application in SME logistics remains poorly understood, and no prior review has examined this intersection with a developing-economy focus. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and April 2026. Two reviewers independently screened 412 records; 67 studies met inclusion criteria. Results: Five thematic clusters emerged: BI tools for logistics, sustainability KPI frameworks (triple bottom line [TBL], environmental–social–governance [ESG], Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]), ERP integration, SME-specific barriers, and geographic gaps. Of the studies, 92% originate from developed economies; Africa and MENA remain almost entirely absent. No study combines open-source ERP with a validated TBL KPI framework for logistics SMEs. Conclusions: We propose a six-priority research agenda targeting empirical validation in developing economies and open-source BI solutions for SME logistics sustainability.