ABSTRACT This study employs a Systematic Literature Review ( SLR ) to investigate the link between sustainability and SME competitiveness in emerging markets. Utilizing a two‐stage hybrid search strategy, the process combines a PRISMA ‐guided systematic search of 56 articles with purposive theoretical sampling of 10 seminal works to ensure both empirical breadth and theoretical depth. Conceptual Network Analysis through Visual Mapping is applied to identify key thematic clusters and knowledge structures. Findings reveal a rapidly expanding yet fragmented field in which existing perspectives fail to capture firm adaptation in unstable environments. Notably, Green Dynamic Capabilities ( GDC ) remain underutilized despite intensifying environmental pressures. Furthermore, the TOE framework's integrative potential is often overlooked. To address these gaps, this study develops the Dynamic‐ TOE (D‐ TOE ) framework, a novel model that incorporates GDC as the core mechanism within the TOE structure. This integrative framework provides a robust theoretical foundation for explaining how SMEs leverage green capabilities to enhance sustainability and strengthen competitive advantage in emerging economies.
Truong et al. (Sun,) studied this question.