<p>This study examines the knowledge landscape and recurring limitations of technology adoption research among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia. As MSMEs play a vital role in economic development amid increasing digital transformation, understanding how technology adoption has been studied in this context is essential. However, prior research often applies generalized models that overlook localized realities. To address this gap, a systematic literature review (SLR) of 109 peer-reviewed articles was conducted, followed by thematic analysis to identify recurring limitation patterns and inform future research directions. The study addresses research questions related to publication trends, geographical and journal productivity, the types of technologies examined, the theoretical frameworks employed, the methodological approaches used, and the limitations reported in the literature. Although research interest has grown significantly, the findings reveal persistent limitations in contextual representation, theoretical application, and methodological design. Three major categories of limitations were identified: contextual (e.g., geographic scope, technology type), methodological (e.g., sample size, research design), and theoretical (e.g., construct clarity, availability of knowledge base), which limit the generalizability of existing findings. To strengthen the analysis, the limitation patterns derived from thematic analysis were further validated using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), explored through a focus group with experts, and compared with cross-country policy patterns identified via the SLR. This multi-phase approach provides a comprehensive assessment of the research landscape. The study proposes future research pathways and recommends multimethod approaches to enhance relevance and generalizability, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to improve digital adoption strategies among Malaysian MSMEs.</p>