Indian Perspectives of International Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Small knowledge-intensive firms (SKIFs) tend tointernationalize at a rapid pace.The factors that often influence afirm's ability tointernationalize quickly include knowledge, intent, andnetworks.While many studies regarding international entrepreneurshipfocus on firms in developed countries, this study focuses on the role ofentrepreneurship in the developing Indian economy, specifically examining theIndian software industry. A review of small firm internationalization is provided.Thenentrepreneurship is described in terms of the factors of knowledge, intent, andnetworks.The research that already exists regarding the role ofinternational entrepreneurship in a developing economy is considered.Amore focused discussion of the role of international entrepreneurship in Indiais then provided, as is a discussion of India's software industry.Fourexemplars of Indian software firms are provided, and each firm is assessed interms of their internationalization efforts and their experience withgovernment policies.For each firm, the three factors of knowledge,intent, and networks are examined in relation to the business. The implications of this literature review indicate that research indeveloping countries is lacking.The three issues of services versusproducts, software versus Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), andsmall versus large firms should be addressed in the future.The impact ofIndian policy upon the internationalization of firms is analyzed.(AKP)