Objectives: This study seeks to synthesize academic knowledge about training in SMEs.
Prior Work: Within the area of training and SMEs research has taken an interest in the effects of training, employee and or management training and implications for policy to foster growth. Literature reviews have taken different focus. A systematic literature review of this comprehensive area is still missing.
Approach: This study uses a systematic literature review model to synthesize this area of research.
Results: The study finds that the debate about training outcomes has interested research over the years and continues to interest scholars and policy. The field has been dominated by research from Europe and the UK. During the last few years, the research field has grown as researchers have taken an interest in empirics from countries in Asia. There are few studies using empirical data from the US or Canada. Studying training, researchers have taken an interest in government policy measures and initiatives. The study finds that EU funds have had a great influence on the research field of training and SMEs.
Implications and value: With this study we will contribute to research by making visible what has been studied, to paint the big picture of training in SMEs, so to speak. The study outlines how the field has developed over the years and finds research gaps in literature which are valuable for future research, practitioners and policy.