The importance of timing of internationalization: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose - The objective of this study is to focus on the timing of internationalization for enterprises. Timing of entrance to international markets has an important role in terms of the strategies of the firm that are aiming to open up to different markets. Methodology - The study is conducted using literature review and trying to make an indepth analysis about the importance of timing and internationalization process of companies. Findings- Entering foreign markets and internationalization is very important for companies. The initiation of internationalization process is a critical decision especially related with the timing of entrance. There may be different consequences of entrance time for international markets. Those consequences may generate risks or opportunities for companies. Conclusion- Timing of entrance to international markets has an important role in terms of the strategies of the firm that are aiming to open up to different markets. Sometimes businesses may have the advantage of entering earlier to the market and getting the advantage of being first mover by putting their internationalization strategies into practice earlier, but they may also face the risks of some unknown factors related to be the early entrant. On the other side when businesses prefer to enter international markets with a delay, even if it is less costly than entering the market first, it may be possible that this time the timing of entrance will not result in an advantageous market entry strategy. Therefore, in this study, the importance of the timing of entrance to international markets is tried to be emphasized with a literature research.