The internationalization of SMEs through entrepreneurial ecosystems in the 21st century: bibliometric and content analysis

For many governments, entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) represent critical elements of their strategies for supporting small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) internationalization. However, the transformation of the relational and geographical structures in which firms operate might challenge the foundation of EE models and their effectiveness in supporting SMEs’ internationalization. To provide renewed understanding of the role of EEs in SMEs’ internationalization, the current study undertakes a bibliometric and content analysis, involving 61 articles extracted from both the Scopus and Web of Sciences databases, published between 1995 and 2023. This depiction of the structure of related literature reveals four thematic clusters and a fragmented research field. Extant studies identify both external and internal conditions required to establish effective EEs that will result in strong affordances for facilitating SMEs’ internationalization. The authors identify some geographical regions that remain understudied and propose directions for further research. These insights can help support both scholars and entrepreneurs prepare for continuing internationalization and entrepreneurial challenges throughout the twenty-first century.