The long-term trajectory of international new ventures: A longitudinal study of software developers

Abstract

The study examines the long-term trajectory of international new ventures (INVs), departing from three theoretical perspectives: the Uppsala internationalization process model, network theory, and the international entrepreneurship perspective. Propositions emanating from these theoretical perspectives are compared with the empirical data regarding pre-internationalization behavior, motives to internationalize, attitude towards risk, speed of internationalization, choice of markets and entry modes, relationship between growth and internationalization, role of networks, and the engine of internationalization along the firm’s internationalization process. The research method is the longitudinal case study, using a multiple shot design over a period of several years. Data (both real-time and retrospective) were collected in two or more different moments in time for each unit of analysis, with the purpose of identifying changes that occurred as their international trajectory evolved. The trajectory of seven software developers was studied. The use of different sources of both primary and secondary data allowed for triangulation. Data analysis was based on pattern-matching and cross-case analysis. The results show that no single theoretical perspective examined seems to be able to explain the international trajectory of the INVs over time.