“…Studies emphasize that SMEs play a vital role in economic development by generating employment, contributing to GDP, fostering technological innovations, and promoting economic and social development (Sari et al, 2018;Jelačić et al, 2021;Mashavira et al, 2021). SMEs are essential for economic growth, modernization, job creation, income generation, and scientific advancement in advanced economies (Maow, 2021). They are fundamental in wealth creation, employment generation, and overall economic development (Le et al, 2023;Roxas et al, 2009;Ibarra et al, 2020).…”