This article presents a theoretical review of the factors that influence the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the steel-automotive sector in Northeastern Mexico. Based on a rigorous analysis of academic literature and national and international empirical studies, twelve key variables affecting the level of SME competitiveness are identified. These factors include: degree of technological innovation, productivity, energy efficiency, business profitability, level of Industry 4.0 adoption, strategic alliances, supply chain, employee training, globalization, innovation capacity, market orientation, and quality. The main objective is to establish a robust theoretical framework that explains how these variables interact and shape competitiveness in a global, dynamic, and highly demanding environment such as the steel industry linked to the automotive sector. Findings from previous research are integrated to support the relevance of each construct, enabling the design of a measurement instrument to assess the level of business competitiveness. This work aims to contribute to the development of a theoretical foundation for understanding the impact of competitiveness on industrial SMEs, and to offer a basis for the design of strategies that enhance their performance in both national and international markets.
Villarreal et al. (Wed,) studied this question.