Bridging institutional voids: A hybrid bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of MSME strategic pathways in Asia

Abstract

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in economic development across Asia, yet the literature remains fragmented regarding how firms reconcile internal capabilities with external institutional constraints. This study synthesizes the evolution of Asian MSME research between 2014 and 2024 using a hybrid bibliometric–systematic literature review (B-SLR) of 972 Scopus-indexed publications. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the study combines quantitative bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer with qualitative thematic synthesis to integrate insights from the Resource-Based View (RBV), Institutional Theory, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The findings reveal a clear transition in the literature from an emphasis on firm-level capabilities toward digital transformation, organizational resilience, and ecosystem integration. Although Indonesia and India account for the largest publication output, China demonstrates the highest citation impact per publication, indicating a distinction between research productivity and scientific influence. Seven interconnected thematic clusters were identified, highlighting the growing importance of digital capability, financial technology, sustainability, and institutional support. Building on these findings, this study proposes the Asian MSME Strategic Pathway Framework. It introduces the concept of Institutional Void Bridging to explain how MSMEs strategically combine internal digital capabilities with external digital ecosystem resources to mitigate institutional constraints. The framework represents a conceptual synthesis derived from the reviewed literature rather than an empirically validated model. By integrating fragmented research across diverse Asian contexts, this study contributes to theory development. It provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical research and evidence-based policymaking on MSME digital transformation.