MIGRATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EVIDENCE FROM SMES IN NORTH MACEDONIA AND EMERGING ECONOMIES
Keywords:
Migration, Digital transformation, SMEs, Diaspora, Knowledge transferAbstract
Migration and digital transformation have become some of the key factors which influence economic development, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) especially in emerging and transition economies. This paper seeks to analyze the impact of migration on the digital transformation of SMEs with special attention paid to North Macedonia and other similar emerging economies. As traditionally understood, migration is associated with labor mobility, remittances, demographic trends, and brain drain, the current paper attempts to explore the impact of migration on the digital transformation of SMEs as a mechanism of knowledge transfer, innovation, internationalization, and technological development. Specifically, based on human capital theory, resource-based view, and knowledge transfer theory, the paper analyzes how migrant networks, diaspora engagement, return migration, international experience, and transnational relations may be used for the enhancement of digital capabilities of SMEs.
In terms of methodology, the paper will use a systematic literature review approach following the PRISMA protocol to conduct a transparent identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and selection of scholarly studies. The academic literature on the topic was collected using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar applying specific keywords related to migration, SMEs, entrepreneurship, diaspora, knowledge transfer, digital transformation and innovation.
The study findings are especially useful for the case of North Macedonia where a large amount of migration, the potential of diasporas should be combined with enhancing SME digital readiness and competitiveness. The study enriches the literature by putting migration and digital transformation into the same analysis and stressing the shift from the classical brain drain towards brain circulation and knowledge transfer. The implications from the research for policy, suggest the need to enhance cooperation between diasporas and SMEs, support entrepreneurship of returnees, implement knowledge transfer projects, build digital competences, and develop digital infrastructure and financing.
To Sum up, migration, under proper institutional and policy conditions, can become a very important source of knowledge, innovations, internationalization, and digital transformation of SMEs.
Future research is needed for confirmation of the relationships for the case of North Macedonia and other countries in the Western Balkans.
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