Theoretical and Methodological Aspects of the Adaptation of Russian Models of Support for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Russian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support research spanning 1996-2025. Using PRISMA guidelines, 308 documents from three major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, E-library) were analyzed to examine the theoretical and methodological evolution of the field. The analysis reveals three distinct developmental phases: emergence (1996-2008), expansion (2009-2019), and acceleration (2020-2025), with 2024 representing the peak publication year (51 documents). Five major thematic clusters were identified: government support mechanisms (50.6%), financial support systems (43.5%), regional development models (31.8%), innovation ecosystems (21.7%), and rural SME support (14.6%). The research community comprises 445 authors publishing across 187 journals, demonstrating substantial interdisciplinary engagement. Emerging trends include digital transformation (+500% growth), green business support (+700% growth), and cross-border cooperation (+300% growth). The findings reveal sophisticated theoretical foundations drawing from new institutional economics, innovation systems theory, and regional development theory. This analysis provides crucial insights for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand the intellectual structure and future directions of Russian SME support research.