Big data adoption: State of the art and research challenges

Abstract Big data adoption is a process through which businesses find innovative ways to enhance productivity and predict risk to satisfy customers need more efficiently. Despite the increase in demand and importance of big data adoption, there is still a lack of comprehensive review and classification of the existing studies in this area. This research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art by highlighting theoretical models, the influence factors, and the research challenges of big data adoption. By adopting a systematic selection process, twenty studies were identified in the domain of big data adoption and were reviewed in order to extract relevant information that answers a set of research questions. According to the findings, Technology–Organization–Environment and Diffusion of Innovations are the most popular theoretical models used for big data adoption in various domains. This research also revealed forty-two factors in technology, organization, environment, and innovation that have a significant influence on big data adoption. Finally, challenges found in the current research about big data adoption are represented, and future research directions are recommended. This study is helpful for researchers and stakeholders to take initiatives that will alleviate the challenges and facilitate big data adoption in various fields.