Author(s): Normilia Abd Wahid, Ilyani Azer, Nurul Nadia Abd Aziz, Azeni Abu Bakar, Jolin Norshyme Hashim.
Social network theory has been propounded as an important resource base for entrepreneurship and serves as an underlying force for the development of entrepreneur behaviour. However, there is a lack of scientific research that uses CiteSpace to explore the relationship between the social network theory and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was to gather literature-based information to assess the current status and development trends in social network theory and SME research. A scientometric analysis was undertaken by focusing on published literature, authors, affiliations, and collaborative networks among countries. Additionally, a co-citation dataset was examined, encompassing authorship, articles, and keywords. The results found a total of 441 related studies from 1994 to 2022. Notably, Shu C. L. and Zhao L. emerged as the most influential authors while the Journal of International Business Studies was the most influential journal. Key clusters associated with network start-up, social network analysis, and future research opportunities were also identified as prevalent keywords. The findings illustrated a pattern towards inclusivity and ongoing advancement of interdisciplinary fusion within the realm of the social network theory, especially in SME development.