KE4SME-INT

MAPPING KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING STRATEGIES AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR INTERNATIONAL FUNDING ACCESS BY SMES

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly seek international funding and innovation networks to support global expansion. However, the role of knowledge engineering (KE) and digital technologies in enabling this access remains underexplored. This integrative review synthesizes 124 peer-reviewed articles using a PRISMA protocol and semantic clustering to identify how SMEs leverage digital platforms, intelligent systems, and knowledge structuring tools. Findings reveal three thematic clusters: (i) digital transformation and absorptive capacity; (ii) innovation performance and knowledge-based internationalization; and (iii) cooperative models with collective governance. Although tools such as data mining, AI matchmaking, and knowledge management systems are prevalent, their impact on funding access is often implicit. This study proposes the KE4SME-INT framework, structured around four axes: Knowledge Structuring, Digital Mediation, Capability Alignment, and Access Effectiveness. The article bridges international business and engineering approaches, offering practical insights for SME support policies, platform design, and future research.