Review of Methods for Assessing the Impact of Technological Changes on Foreign Economic Activity of Industrial SMEs

Foreign economic activity is viewed as an effect of technology adoption. The diffusion of technologies across numerous small and medium-sized industrial enterprises creates export opportunities but requires new analytical approaches. Research on industrial SMEs remains insufficient. The study focuses on methodologies that measure the impact of technologies on the foreign economic activity of industrial SMEs. The aim is to review existing methodologies and advance the methodological foundation for assessing technology influence on foreign economic activity. The methodological framework includes principles for conducting a qualitative review of methodologies. Systematic review and content analysis made it possible to summarize Russian and international methodological approaches. Common methodological errors hindering the field’s development were identified. Methodological provisions for designing and validating methodologies are proposed. Methodologies should rely on data triangulation, justify indicators, and clearly define the object of analysis. Applying these principles enhances source reliability, eliminates duplication or gaps, and supports grounded methodological choices.