‘Recover together, recover stronger’: an exploratory literature review on the recovery challenges of creative SMEs following the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed future recommendations

Akintola, Bolanle Maryam, Kumar, Anil, Chokshi, Hemakshi, Samadhiya, Ashutosh and Agrawal, Rohit (2023) ‘Recover together, recover stronger’: an exploratory literature review on the recovery challenges of creative SMEs following the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed future recommendations. International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. ISSN 2690-6104

Abstract

Purpose- The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled researchers and industry professionals to reinvent their strategies for basic economic understanding. Two years after the outbreak of the pandemic, businesses are now trying to adapt to the impact it has brought, hoping to receive support as it was in the past. However, before this feat can be accomplished, it is imperative to understand the recovery hurdles created by the pandemic. This research aims to fill the literature gaps by examining the challenges during recovery within the creative small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) industry, as there are few relevant studies that focus on this field.
Design/Methodology/Approach- Through a methodical bibliometric literature review and network analysis, the paper intends to critically explore relevant recovery challenges within the field while providing answers to the appropriate research questions. A total of 43 articles were selected for an in-depth review. Using the analysis from the selected articles as a guide, a framework was developed to address the recovery challenges alongside the recommended propositions.
Findings- The findings from this paper suggest that a lack of synergy among four major categories (governmental, supply chain, organizational and stakeholders) contributes to recovery challenges within the field of research.
Originality/Value- The review also offers clarification in understanding the current and upcoming trends within the creative industry, SMEs, and COVID-19. This paper can thus help researchers, industry practitioners and managers discover and analyse the recovery challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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