A model for transitioning to a digital economy to ensure the sustainability of Colombian SMEs

Abstract

Due to technological change, the sustainability of Colombian SMEs, which represent 99% of the country's businesses, depends largely on digital transformation. This literature review analyzes the impact of the digital economy transition model on the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of these companies during the period 2014–2024. Based on the analysis of 44 documents, five main categories were identified: levels of digital adoption, theoretical tensions, structural gaps, imbalances in digital sustainability, and institutional and territorial factors. The findings show that, although programs such as the Vive Digital Plan, APPS.CO, and TECDigital have improved connectivity and basic adoption of tools, gaps persist in financing, training, and territorial equity, especially in urban and rural areas. The literature reveals tensions between technological approaches and those that prioritize organizational and cultural transformation. Four gaps were identified: the absence of comprehensive evaluations of the transition model, the predominance of cross-sectional studies, the underrepresentation of the environmental dimension of sustainability, and a lack of integration between public policies, business initiatives, and structural barriers. It is concluded that an effective and sustainable model must be multifaceted, combining technological, human, and institutional aspects, with sustainability as a cross-cutting theme. Longitudinal studies and research that specifically integrate the environmental dimension are recommended.