Will M&A activities continue to be labour intensive? An analysis of the potential of technology and data-driven M&A

It is now evident that technology will have a significant impact across all sectors, and the M&A environment is no exception. This is illustrated by the technologies currently in use, the substantial investments made and projected, and the rapid rate of technological advancement. However, due to the growing importance of technology in providing a competitive advantage, and given its position at the technological frontier, a comprehensive overview of the application of advanced technologies across the various phases of the M&A process remains lacking in the literature. Research in this area appears fragmented, often presenting conflicting views due to its exploratory nature and the inherent complexity of M&A processes. This master thesis aims to provide a unified overview of the potential for AI, Blockchain, and Big Data integration in M&A, synthesizing the most influential findings through bibliometric and content analysis, while suggesting possible directions for future research and practical applications.