Title: Decoding supply chain finance for small and medium enterprises: a TCM-ADO synthesis of barriers, trends and future pathways

Authors: Nibedita Tulsiyan; Manvendra Pratap Singh; Vikas Thakur

Addresses: School of Management, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India ' School of Management, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India ' School of Management, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India

Abstract: The study systematically maps supply chain finance (SCF) research in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) context, integrating bibliometric analysis of 352 articles with - theory, context and methodology (TCM) antecedents, decision and outcome (ADO) framework for 74 Scopus-indexed studies using the SPAR-4 (scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature review) protocol. SMEs face strategic resource challenges that limit their growth, competitiveness, operational efficiency, and financial capability. Emerged as a transformative enabler, SCF helps SMEs overcome operational and financial bottlenecks while reinforcing supply chain partnerships and enhancing overall resilience. Constrained by awareness gaps, perceptual hurdles, and institutional barriers, SMEs leave key growth opportunities untapped. This review bridges existing gaps by offering an integrated and holistic review of the SCF-SME dimension. It establishes how SCF alleviates financial and operational efficiency and barriers. It reveals challenges such as resistance, structural gaps, and technological hurdles. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic policy alignment, advanced digital solutions, and trust-driven collaboration to strengthen SMEs' resilience and promote sustainable growth. The study provides SMEs, policymakers, and industry leaders with actionable insights to leverage SCF for resilient and sustainable growth.

Keywords: supply chain finance; SCF; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; bibliometric analysis; systematic literature review; theory, context, methodology framework; TCM framework; antecedents, decisions and outcomes framework; ADO framework; conceptual framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRM.2026.155524

International Journal of Revenue Management, 2026 Vol.16 No.1/2, pp.114 - 148

Received: 10 Jun 2025
Accepted: 26 Feb 2026
Published online: 04 Aug 2026 *

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