The AI Revolution and Its Impact on SMEs in Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis Towards a Digital Future

Abstract

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming business landscapes worldwide, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the scientific literature on AI adoption and its implications for SMEs across the Asian region. Using data retrieved from the Scopus database between 2010 and 2024, the analysis employs VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to map publication trends, citation networks, research hotspots, and collaborative patterns. The findings reveal a steady increase in scholarly attention, with a notable surge after 2018, reflecting heightened awareness of AI’s role in driving digital transformation. Key thematic clusters include AI-driven innovation, digital entrepreneurship, big data analytics, and policy frameworks supporting SME competitiveness. Results also highlight strong research contributions from China, India, and Malaysia, alongside emerging collaborative networks across Asia and beyond. This study contributes by identifying knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for cross-disciplinary research, and providing insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics on leveraging AI for sustainable SME growth. By synthesizing existing scholarship, the paper underscores AI’s strategic significance in shaping a resilient and digitally inclusive future for SMEs in Asia