Business model resilience in SMEs: A case for digital transformation

This study examines how digital transformation (DT) influences success-critical business model canvas (BMC) elements to enhance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)’ resilience. A systematic literature review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, combined with a hermeneutic approach, analyzed 41 peer-reviewed studies (2017–2025) investigating DT’s impact on business model resilience in SMEs, focusing on BMC elements empirically identified as success-critical. We found that DT enhances resilience across these BMC elements: digitally savvy key partners for creating joint value; key activities by realigning the entire value chain; value propositions by increasing customization and servitization; tailor-made distribution channels; and precise customer segmentation and better-targeted offerings. The study reveals a bidirectional relationship between digitalization and organizational resilience. This research contributes by systematically documenting DT-resilience interdependencies within the BMC, providing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers with structured guidance for identifying specific resilience-building opportunities through targeted DT initiatives. However, research is needed to validate these findings.