Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine pathways towards, and the rationale behind internationalisation from the perspectives of micro firms' operators involved in the globally competitive wine industry. Moreover, drawing from entrepreneurial action theory, the study developed a theoretical framework to help understanding micro approaches and rationale for internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through interviews with 19 micro winery owners and managers operating in the Prosecco Superiore (Italy) and cava industry (Spain).FindingsAligned with entrepreneurial action theory, uncertainty in participants' environment, coupled with the associated need to diversify through exports, were predominant drivers of internationalisation. However, internationalisation also emerged through non-deliberate channels, including through growth of wine tourism and increasing foreign wine enthusiasts. Thus, while entrepreneurial action through deliberate means triggered a stronger focus on internationalisation, other passive interventions beyond the control or influence of micro firms, but rather emerge serendipitously, can similarly spur direct action.Originality/valueThe study demonstrated its originality and value in various ways, fundamentally, addressing three knowledge gaps, thereby contributing to practical and theoretical discourses with corresponding value, including managerially. First, it extended literature focussing on micro firms, which as compared to small and medium enterprise research is much more limited. Second, it provided a comparative component, which is much rarer in contemporary research discussing internationalisation amongst micro firms. Third, the study proposed a theoretical framework stemming from the chosen inductive approach, thus, addressing concerns regarding the lack of theoretical rigour or depth in internationalisation activities amongst micro firms.
Highlights
Internationalisation of firms Different academic contributions have sought to expand knowledge of processes, factors, and the rationale for small firm internationalisation (e.g., Cerrato et al, 2016; Zhang et al, 2016)
In drawing from entrepreneurial action theory (EAT), this study examined aspects related to internationalisation among micro firms in two different countries (Italy, Superiore (Italy) and Cava industry (Spain)) operating in the global wine industry that faces strong competition and uncertainty (Anderson and Wittwer, 2017)
The participant was keen to increase the winery’s involvement in wine tourism: “my son just finished his degree in oenology; he is excited about growing in wine tourism
Summary
Internationalisation of firms Different academic contributions have sought to expand knowledge of processes, factors, and the rationale for small firm internationalisation (e.g., Cerrato et al, 2016; Zhang et al, 2016). Research on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (Dutot, Bergeron, and Raymond, 2014) suggests that firms’ ability to internationalise has become a key competitive necessity, enabling them to enter larger markets and increasing their chances of survival. For these firms, innovative capabilities can be an essential ingredient to increase their international involvement, especially when prior growth is exceeded or unmet (McCormick and Fernhaber, 2018). Hermel and Khayat (2011) highlight the significance of innovation, alongside networks and managerial capabilities, as triggers of rapid micro-firm internationalisation
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