Business Development in the Last Decade: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Business development strategies are pivotal for fostering organizational growth, competitiveness, and adaptability across industries. This study employs the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique (SQAT), as proposed by Pickering and Byrne in 2014, to systematically review 58 articles published between 2015 and 2024. Articles were sourced from six reputable databases, with a significant focus on Asia (36 articles), followed by Africa (7), Europe (3), and North America (2). Empirical studies dominated the review, accounting for 40 of the articles, while 18 were conceptual. Surveys (43%) were the most frequently used data collection method, while mixed methods and case studies were underutilized. Key research themes identified include Strategic Business Development (34.5%), Innovation and Entrepreneurship (25.9%), Technological Impacts (17.2%), Marketing Strategies (13.8%), and Policy Frameworks (8.6%). The findings highlight a growing recognition of business development strategies, particularly over the last five years, while underscoring the need for more diverse regional representation and methodological approaches. Future research should prioritize mixed-method studies and explore the integration of identified themes to provide a holistic perspective on business development strategies.