This chapter brings together key insights concerning HRM in SMEs. We start by reinforcing the significance of SMEs, before exploring why the respective HRM and SME literature tend to talk past each other. Drawing on the insights of the contributions to this volume we then revisit the RECIPE framework (resource constraints, environmental vulnerability, centralised control, informality, proximity of relations and employee dynamics) exploring how our understanding has been advanced and the unanswered questions that remain. Finally, we outline a pathway for future research including the significance of sustainability, digital disruption, change and transition and gender equality. A case is also made to further consider context by disaggregating across micro, small and medium sized firms and in being more global in our scholarship.