Abstract
AbstractThis paper performs a systematic literature review of the undeniably diverse – and somewhat fragmented – current state of research on the collaborations and internationalization of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). We analyze key works and synthesize them into a framework that conceptually maps key antecedents, mediators, and moderators that influence the internationalization of SMEs. In addition, we highlight limitations of the literature, most notably in terms of theoretical fragmentation; extant theories are deployed and illustrated but rarely extended in a manner that significantly informs subsequent work. At an applied (but related) level, we argue the need for supplementary work that explores the distinct stages of internationalization – and the scope and scale of this process – rather than assuming closure around particular events. With this, we highlight the need for more rigorous and empirically informed explorations of contextual effects that take account of the consequences of developments in the global economic ecosystem.
Highlights
A considerable body of research has investigated how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognize and take advantage of opportunities embedded in international markets
We found that the research related to collaboration activity starts with the governance mechanism as a safeguarding process to utilize the networks for internationalization outcomes of SMEs (Chetty and Holm 2000; Matanda and Freeman 2009)
The study highlighted a number of common themes and theoretical fragmentation. Using this as a basis, we make a case for theoretical synthesis, incorporating institutional structures and entrepreneurial actions as well as resources and physical environmental issues
Summary
A considerable body of research has investigated how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognize and take advantage of opportunities embedded in international markets. Key criteria include the number of employees, assets, and scale of annual turnover, or a mixture of these factors This issue becomes even more complicated when such criteria are applied differently in different economic regions (e.g. Europe vs the USA) and sectors (e.g. service vs manufacturing) (Bocconcelli et al 2018). Despite these discrepancies, it is agreed that SMEs are subject to common constraining attributes, such as limited human, financial, and informational resources (Rogers 1990; Welsh and White 1981), a lack of legitimacy abroad (Sapienza et al 2006), and limits in short-term resilience (Bradley et al 2006). A significant amount of research has been devoted to understanding how SMEs can internationalize in the face of such difficulties
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