Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research (August - November 2025)

From Cash to Clicks: A Systematic Review on the Role of Digital Payment Systems in Enhancing MSMEs' Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion

Hermawan, Muhammad Distian Andi (Unknown)
Septiani, Debi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Aug 2025

Abstract

The rapid shift from cash-based transactions to digital payment systems has transformed the operational practices of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in emerging economies such as Indonesia. Despite increasing adoption of digital payment platforms, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in enhancing MSME competitiveness and financial inclusion remains dispersed and inconclusive. The research employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach encompassing the stages of planning, conducting, and reporting the review. Literature searches were conducted across four major academic databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and DOAJ to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to extract key themes related to digital payment adoption drivers, barriers, and impacts on MSME performance. The results demonstrate that digital payment adoption—particularly QRIS, e-wallets, and mobile banking—enhances MSME competitiveness by improving transaction efficiency, expanding market reach, and strengthening financial record management. In addition, digital payment usage supports financial inclusion by creating transaction histories that facilitate access to formal financial services, credit evaluation, and financing opportunities. The findings imply that the effectiveness of digital payments depends not only on technological availability but also on supportive policies, digital and financial literacy programs, and inclusive digital infrastructure. This study contributes to the literature by providing a structured and PRISMA-based synthesis of existing evidence, clarifying the conceptual link between digital payments, MSME competitiveness, and financial inclusion, while identifying critical gaps for future empirical research.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

esber

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research (ESBER) aims to relate to current research qualitative and quantitative on entrepreneurship, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Finance, Business & Social Science Innovation as well as Practices. The scope of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business. ...