Science mapping on corporate social responsibility in small and medium enterprises within public procurement: a bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis

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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to shed light on the knowledge structure that underpins the manifestation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within public procurement. CSR has been highly linked to public procurement, which is related to government policy and involves purchasing goods and services from others from public bodies. Despite the extensive coverage that CSR has garnered in relation to large multinational corporations, its implementation within the context of SMEs has been found to be severely inadequate.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses science mapping through bibliometric analysis to investigate the existing knowledge structure of CSR in SMEs from 1993–2024. Using bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, this study evaluates the current structure and potential future trends of CSR in SMEs within public procurement and suggests possible crucial themes for future studies.FindingsThe findings indicate the indispensability of integrating CSR as an organizational ethos, given its potential to create a positive impact on the firm’s overall value proposition and long-term profitability. There are four current themes derived: Fundamental of CSR in SMEs, CSR and firm performance, CSR sustainability management and implementation in SMEs, and SMEs size in CSR implementation. There are three future themes derived: Strategies for successful CSR through governance and stakeholder engagement, Relationship between CSR, financial and environmental performance and effective management and Sustainable development through corporate responsibility and performance. SMEs as critical components in the public and private network, hold the key to substantial national economic growth. The public environment would be shaped by how SMEs conduct their business within the public procurement sphere.Social implicationsSMEs need to actively participate in CSR activities to stay relevant in today’s market. Securing public procurement relies heavily on CSR as part of the government’s commitment to helping small businesses, reducing unemployment, employing disabled workers, gender equality and implementing national industrial policy.Originality/valueThe originality is to provide an in-depth understanding of the role of CSR in SMEs within public procurement by performing science mapping and content analysis of the current phenomenon. This study presents comprehensive research streams in the context of public procurement on the current and future themes based on network visualization through science mapping analysis.