The internet and SME internationalisation: promises and illusions

Abstract

The internet is an important business tool and the increasing trade levels reflect that fact. It has been argued that the internet is particularly appealing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wish to internationalise their activities. The objective of this paper is (1) to identify the advantages the internet offers to these SMEs, and (2) to point out some of the drawbacks that SMEs face when carrying out international transactions through the Internet. Eight propositions are developed and ideas for future research discussed.