Internationalization Process Of Firms Research Articles

EXPLORING INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES: A DEVELOPING COUNTRY CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

This paper investigates the internationalization processes of firms emerging from developing countries, utilizing a case study approach to address the seven theoretical propositions suggested by Paul & Mas (2019). By applying this theoretical framework to analyse the international marketing strategies, the study enriches the existing literature in this domain. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature focusing on a case study of a Turkish firm in this context. The research is designed as a case study, and the international marketing position of Getir, a company, is analysed based on qualitative data collected from archives and news sources according to the seven propositions. According to the results, there is not enough evidence available for the concepts of potential and pattern in this case study. However, propositions regarding the concepts of process and pace appear differently in this case study than what the authors claim.

Role of research and development in internationalization of high-tech firms: Empirical results from Poland

This article focuses on the significance of research and development (R&D) in driving the internationalization of Polish high-tech firms. R&D is essential for businesses to remain competitive and adapt their products to the specific requirements of different markets. The study aims to investigate the relationship between R&D and the internationalization process of high-tech firms based in Poland, with a focus on the innovation context. We used a quantitative research method and employed a survey questionnaire to evaluate the internationalization of high-tech firms in Poland. The study employed a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method and identified the random sample of 263 fully-filled questionnaires during the survey that were important for further statistical analysis. We confirmed that research and development as it is commonly understood, i.e., having one's own R&D department and making expenditures on R&D, helps and strengthens the internationalization of high-tech firms.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Internationalization Process of Family Firms

The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Internationalization Process of Family Firms

Speed and longevity: Elements of the internationalization of technology-based firms

Is time perception an idiosyncratic element in the internationalization process of technology-based firms (TBFs)? This question serves as the starting point to explore which factors influence international operations’ internationalization speed and longevity in TBFs. We gathered them into two groups based on the types of service provided and the characteristics of their clients. We analyzed these TBFs´ internationalization processes and the length of time they continued operating abroad, considering survival over time. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted a multiple case study of four internationalized TBFs from Brazil. Our findings suggest that the level of creativity required by clients impacts both the speed of internationalization and the longevity of international operations. Regarding longevity and survival, while TBFs serving creative sectors tend to adapt more easily to culturally similar markets and develop products more quickly, TBFs working in traditional sectors tend to exploit local networks revealing exciting nuances about the time perception among TBFs.

Analysis Bibliometric SME Internationalization Process: Uppsala Model

A bibliometric analysis centered on the internationalization process of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) with the Uppsala Model is presented in this article. The Uppsala model, which was first published in 1977, explains the process by which companies become internationalized. This model has been the subject of extensive research and development over the years. The literature on SME internationalization is investigated in this analysis, with a specific focus on the keywords "Uppsala model," "SMEs," "internationalization," and "export." This study use of bibliometric techniques, such as network visualization and density visualization, to uncover patterns in research and author collaborations. The findings underline the usefulness of the Uppsala model in the process of comprehending the internationalization of SMEs and bring attention to aspects such as resources, international plans, and dynamic capabilities that affect this procedure. This study contributes to the current body of information on the internationalization of SMEs and lays the groundwork for further investigation in this area.

How female entrepreneurship may boost business innovation and internationalization

AbstractThis study sought to analyze the role female entrepreneurship plays in the internationalization and innovation process of firms. Additionally, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how the countries of Europe and Central Asia are grouped in terms of female entrepreneurship. Our analysis used secondary data collected from the Enterprise Surveys—The World Bank database to which multivariate statistical analysis were applied. The results suggest a non‐significant statistical relationship between female entrepreneurship and internationalization, which may be explained by high capital access constraints female entrepreneurs face. There are cultural and social barriers that affect the decision of women entrepreneurs to internationalize. Our results also show interdependence between internationalization and innovation. The results also suggest that the countries of Europe and Central Asia can be divided into two clusters. The difference between the two clusters can be justified by the role of women in the countries concerned. The originality of this article is related to the analysis of the possible contribution of women entrepreneurship to the internationalization of firms, which is still an understudied area, because of the exclusion of women entrepreneurs from the market due to the male norms that dominate the socioeconomic contexts. Additionally, the findings of this research can contribute to the implementation of a strategic policy framework to encourage female entrepreneurship.

Evaluating the Internationalization Process of Firms: Methods and Dimensions

Evaluating the Internationalization Process of Firms: Methods and Dimensions

KIBS Role in the Innovation and Internationalization Processes of Firms: a Bibliometric Overview

In recent decades, KIBS have been one of the most dynamic segments of the service sector in European countries and are one of the fastest growing sectors of the European Union economy. KIBS are firms that provide knowledge-intensive inputs to the business processes of other organizations.
 In the regional and national economy, KIBS have played a central role in innovation as carriers, producers and mediators of knowledge. Consequently, this knowledge has a critical impact on the internationalization of firms. New sources of information and knowledge help firms compete and grow in markets of which they possess little or no prior knowledge. Firms face difficulties in foreign markets, so they need to develop a strong knowledge base to successfully compete across borders. The intensity of knowledge and the diversity of knowledge sources positively impact both the internationalization of firms and their innovation. Knowledge-intensive firms represent a link between their customers and the knowledge base available across the economy, and therefore act as a catalyst for innovation and internationalization.
 Recognizing the important role played by KIBS and to provide as overall picture of the research field, a bibliometric approach was performed, based on a mapping of scientific publications, intellectual structure and research trends related to the area under study, highlighting the current approaches of reference on the subject of innovation, internationalization and knowledge. In light of this consideration, the main objective of this study is to identify some of the most relevant research in this field and some of the newest trends, according to the information found in the Web of Science database, thus contributing to the enrichment of the existing literature. The specific objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to identify how the concepts of KIBS, innovation and internationalization are defined in the literature and assess the evolution achieved in the field of research; (2) to identify and measure research productivity, the trend of collaboration between countries, and the main and most relevant journals and authors; and (3) to analyze and map co-citations and research topics to identify the intellectual structure of the literature.

International entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: interfirm coordination and local economy dynamics in the informal economy

PurposeThe International Labor Organization (2020) estimates that eight out of ten enterprises (i.e. own-account workers and small economic units) are informal worldwide. However, less is known about the internationalization of informal enterprises. Here, it is argued that economic blocs, such as sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater proportion of informal enterprises, may provide broader societal legitimacy for them to operate internationally. Thus, informal firms would need to collaborate with other firms to overcome their resource constraints. Geographic colocation is one way to facilitate positive interfirm interactions that promote networking and subsequently cooperation. The purpose of this paper is, thus, to addresses two questions. Firstly, how and to what extent does interfirm marketing cooperation in geographic colocation influence the internationalization of micro and small informal manufacturing enterprises? Secondly, how do the perceived benefits of local external economies moderate this relationship?Design/methodology/approachThe study draws evidence from 125 randomly selected informal enterprises located in two major clusters in Ghana, using a mixed-method approach.FindingsThe partial least square - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis applied revealed two central points. Firstly, sharing marketing costs allows informal firms to upgrade their phases of export development directly. Secondly, the linkage of increasing sales activities and local external economies encourages the progress of the phases of export development and the scope of internationalization. Results confirm that the cluster benefits of interfirm cooperation and local external economies on the informal firm internationalization process complement each other in addition to their linear relationship.Originality/valueThe study contributes to understanding the nexus of the informal sector, geographic colocation and the entrepreneurial internationalization literature. The results should motivate researchers and policymakers to approach informal firm internationalization through collaborative business activities.

The internationalization process of Niche SMEs in France

The scholars provide numerous findings on the process of firm internationalization. However, there remains still a research gap in understanding the process of internationalization of niche SMEs, despite their strategic interest in France. The paper investigates the entry modes of SMEs to international markets and provides a deeper insight into the internationalization process by using an abductive exploratory approach. The results show hybrid forms of internationalization that traditional internationalization models only partially take into account.

최고경영진의 특성과 국제화 배경이 기업 국제화와 경영성과 간에 미치는 영향

This paper aims to examine the impact of top management team(TMT)’s demographic characteristics and international background on the internationalization-performance relationship of firms. Based on the upper echelons theory, we consider that TMTs play an important role in the internationalization process of firms in that they have an influential decision-making power on key issues in business. Furthermore, we assume that specific demographic characteristics or international background of TMTs make them select internationalization among business strategies, and it results in different levels of performance attained based on their information processing capacities and international experience. For the empirical analysis, panel data was composed of 89 manufacturers in the automobile industry and electronics industry listed on the KOSPI for seven years from 2013 to 2019, and the statistical result was summarized as follows. (a) The younger the average age, (b) the longer the average tenure, (c) the higher the average education level of TMTs, the more significant positive moderating effect on the relations between firm internationalization-performance. Moreover, (d) the higher ratio of TMTs majoring in internationalization and (e) the higher ratio of TMT’s internationalization have positive moderating effects significantly as well. However, the ratio of TMT's educated or working abroad have no significant moderating effect contrary to expectations. These results imply that characteristics and background of TMTs must be considered when identifying the reason firms with similar levels of internationalization has difference in management performance.

The temporal dimension from the perspective of internationalisation: a theoretical discussion

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse how the temporal dimension is conceptualised in studies of the internationalisation process of firms and its implications. Theoretical models such as U-Model and INV explain the process of internationalisation as dynamic; nonetheless, time is approached as an underlying aspect of the process. In this essay, time is brought to the spotlight since, despite its strategic relevance, it has been treated implicitly in studies of the internationalisation processes, except in those that address the speed of internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachBased on a critical reassessment of the academic literature, the authors present theoretical arguments and highlight elements to be considered in the analysis of the temporal dimension throughout the internationalisation process of firms.FindingsThis essay focuses on expanding the comprehension of temporality in the internationalisation process, that underlies periods of changes, implied also in periods of stability. The paper discusses time dimension implications during the internationalisation process and reveals that there is an interaction between temporal verticality (context/events), subjective dimension of time (perception and interpretation of time) and objective dimension of time (stability and changes). Therefore, it sustains that these interactions compress past, present and future actions in the internationalisation process.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, this essay did not empirically apply the theoretical model and propositions. Therefore, future studies may empirically apply the propositions and use the temporal lens to look deeper at the temporality of internationalisation process and shed further light on the mechanisms that interlink the pre-and post-entry phases.Practical implicationsThe argument helps entrepreneurs understand that actions throughout the internationalisation process are also influenced by the experience of time and not only governed by rational matters. Changes in the context can alter the perception of present time as being restricted, and in turn, may alter the flux of future internationalisation actions. However, if actions are conducted in a precipitated manner it can bring forth negative results for the firm. It is essential to recognise the importance of temporal verticality and subjective dimension of time as influencers of future actions of the objective dimension of time in the process of internationalisation.Originality/valueWhile most research is restricted to understanding time as speed, this essay brings a theoretical model extending the knowledge of time in the literature of international business and international entrepreneurship, by including factors that imply temporality. By explaining the relationship between temporal aspects, it is argued that temporal verticality (events and context) influences temporal subjectivity (perception of the present and interpretation of the past) to direct future actions of the temporality of internationalisation (stability and changes).

The impact of differences in internationalization processes on innovation by emerging economy firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the differences in the internationalization process of firms from emerging economies and the impact of their international expansion related choices on the nature of technological innovations developed by these firms. Specifically, the authors compare two principal perspectives on internationalization – the incremental internationalization process (slow, gradually increasing commitments using greenfield investments to similar host countries) and the springboard perspective (aggressive, rapidly increasing commitments using mergers and acquisitions to advanced host countries).Design/methodology/approachBuilding on key differences between the incremental internationalization and springboard perspectives, the authors argue that differences in the speed and mode of entry, as well as the interaction between the mode of entry and location of internationalization, will lead to differences in the types of technologies (mature versus novel) developed by emerging economy firms. The authors examine the hypotheses using panel data from 1997 to 2013 on emerging economy multinationals (EMNEs) from the Indian bio-pharmaceutical industry.FindingsThe findings suggest that firms internationalizing at higher speeds and using cross-border M&As tend to have innovations in mature technologies. The interesting findings can be explained by the challenges faced by emerging economy firms in experiential learning and the assimilation of external knowledge. In addition, the authors find that internationalization to technologically advanced countries weakens the relationship between cross-border M&As and innovation in mature technologies, suggesting that direct learning from technologically advanced environments may help alleviate the assimilation challenges of cross-border M&As.Originality/valueThe authors advance literature on EMNE internationalization by comparing the impact of their choice of internationalization approaches (incremental internationalization or springboard approach) on their innovation performance. The authors contribute to literature on EMNEs that has focused on the determinants of internationalization by identifying the learning implications of internationalization. The authors contribute to the nascent stream of literature on the level of innovation and catching up by EMNEs by performing a fine-grained analysis of the nature of technology innovation.

Internationalization pathways of Chinese private firms: A closer look at firm-specific advantages

Abstract Using a unique date set, we explore the internationalization processes of Chinese private sector firms. We show that variations in internationalization of private Chinese firms can be better explained by traditional internationalization theories than by the typical approach proposed in the recent literature that centers on state-created advantages. The firm-specific advantages of productivity, proprietary knowledge, and technology competence explain Chinese private foreign direct investment (FDI) in a similar way as they do typical FDI from western developed countries. Further, firm-specific advantages such as technology leadership, exporting experience, and ability to signal quality to partners abroad can explain differently motivated outward FDI by private Chinese firms. Our results fill an important gap in the literature, where the validity of the existing frameworks for explaining the internationalization of Chinese multinationals is hampered by the conflation of state-sponsored internationalization, knowledge-seeking FDI, and firm-specific advantages.

The Role of Networks in the Internationalization Process of Firms from Emerging Economies: The Nigerian Perspective

With the advent of Basel III and other global and internal challenges, Indian banks have to address several issues simultaneously. Capital shoring up, financial inclusion requirements, risk mitigation and NPA issues are some of them. The common underlying factor among all of these is achieving, maintaining, protecting and growing profitability. To ensure sustainable advantage in all areas, it is essential that banks make all efforts to use every resource at their disposal towards this purpose. Huma resource has always been a key factor in success and profitability of banks. It also represents a major part of operating cost. Profitable deployment of HR cost will ensure both operating and financial advantage. Public sector banks in India have faced several challenges with respect to HR cost. The demand for competitive salaries and growth of business has led to substantial rise in HR costs of public sector banks in recent years. However there is a need to see if the costs are being deployed profitably. Profitable deployment of any cost indicates more efficiency in use of resources and hence a move towards better profitability. With the help of the HCROI ratio and statistical techniques, the study tries to find out if they have moved towards more profitable deployment of HR cost in the decade ending 2013-14.

Exploring the Internationalization Process, Behavior, and Patterns of Born Global Ride-Hailing Firms

The purpose of this study is to explore the internationalization process, behavior, and patterns of ride-hailing firms through the use of the born global firms (BGFs) internationalization model as a conceptual framework. The research method will be based on the purpose of the study. A multiple-case study is used to comprehensively analyze the phenomenon under investigation and explore the behavior and pattern between the case studies. Data was collected through documentation reviews such as a financial report, company portfolio, business plan, and previous research within the subject from seven ride-hailing firms to allow for triangulation. Data analysis of the study found seven themes to answer the research question. The finding suggests that ride-hailing firms: 1) Enter the home market as a pioneer, and the internationalization can be done as both pioneer, and follower. 2) Expand the market through the use of concentration or combination strategy. 3) Use wholly owned subsidiaries as their main entry form. 4) Ride hailing firms move from global standardization to local adaptation the longer they operate in a market. 5) Ride hailing firms prefer a born regional and born-again global internationalization model. The two limitations of this research are the research methodology and sampling strategy that limit the results' generalizability. The results will help to extend BGFs’ internationalization models and add, confirm, and provide new knowledge regarding the ride-hailing industry. They also provide resources for practice such as founders, managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and coaches to understand how BGFs’ internationalization in the ride-hailing sector works.

The internationalization process of agrifood firms: a proposed conceptual framework

PurposeThis research seeks to develop a better understanding of internationalization patterns of agrifood firms and explains why different paths are adopted. Further, a conceptual framework to support public and private decision-making is proposed.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative research framework was developed featuring case studies about three highly internationalized Brazilian meat processing firms. Top managers were interviewed, and documents were collected to support the intraand crosscase analyses.FindingsResults suggest that meat processing firms tend to adopt a dual internationalization pattern. Distribution-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI) is normally established gradually, whilst horizontal FDI – the establishment of foreign production facility – tends to be conducted through a fast-paced expansion mode. Interestingly, it was found that food safety issues play a central role in internationalization decisions.Originality/valueAn extension to the Uppsala model was provided by considering agrifood characteristics in the analysis. The results have broad appeal to managers and policymakers. Agribusiness managers could use the theoretical and empirical evidence to support their internationalization decisions. Policymakers can also use this research to gain a better understanding of how agrifood firms expand internationally to either attract or foster FDI.

Rapid FDI of Emerging Market Firms The Role of Foreign Participation

Most literature on rapid internationalization focuses on exporting firms and leaves other parts of internationalization process such as foreign direct investment (FDI) unexplained. In this paper, we explore the determinants of rapid FDI, namely why certain firms are able to have high degree of market penetration and large market commitment even in the early stage of FDI. Based on the relational perspective, relationships with foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) in particular, we argue that interactions with foreign MNCs at home helps a local firm to leapfrog certain stages in the establishment chain. Our hypotheses are tested using 1612 first-time outward FDI projects from China between the years 2000 and 2014. The largely supported results suggest that foreign participation in an emerging market context accelerates the internationalization process of local firms. Our findings should offer alternative explanations for the puzzle of emerging market firms’ rapid internationalization and the possible sources of emerging market multinational corporations’ firm-specific advantages.

Influence of Strategic Factors on Early Internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

Abstract The study on strategic factors and internationalization of small medium enterprises (SMEs) has continued to gain attention across the globe as most indigenous organization desire to take their products and services to international markets. As such, this study tried to ascertain the influence of the strategic factors element of the early internationalization process and tendencies of firms going to foreign market within the period of one to five years which signifies early internationalization. Two different objectives emanated from that main goal: The first is to investigate the influence of firm orientation on early internationalization mode, and the second is to assess the relationship between early internationalization strategies and success of SMEs. Two hypotheses were tested in line with the objectives through the data collected from purposively selected twenty companies in various industries through standardized questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was explored to evaluate the hypotheses and variable relationships. The findings reveal that strategic factors significantly affect internationalization of firms when organization put into consideration both external and internal factors towards internationalization, it further shows relationship exist between the factors and what affects SMEs from going global. The study finally recommends that SMEs should consider strategic factors as it will help them to avoid pitfalls while going international.

Learning and strategic flexibility as drivers of the internationalisation process of firms in emerging countries

Learning and strategic flexibility as drivers of the internationalisation process of firms in emerging countries