Internationalization Process Research Articles

Impact of Pandemic Covid-19 on the internationalization processes of universities in the perspective of own research

Impact of Pandemic Covid-19 on the internationalization processes of universities in the perspective of own research

Процессы трансформации международного Арктического региона: новые геополитические контуры

The article attempts to analyse the international Arctic region during the period from the end of the Cold War to the present. In this timespan, the author identifies two main stages, which differ in the logic of building relations between the regional powers. Special attention is paid to the transformation of the theoretical approaches to the concept of region, characterized by a shift in emphasis from the territorial principle, which defines a region as a specific territory, to the spatial principle, based on functional features. This allows us to explain the processes that took place in the Arctic after the end of the Cold War, when a global region started to form on this territory. In addition, the article highlights the uniqueness of the Arctic due to the impact of rapid climate change on the region’s geopolitical position. The paper analyses the reasons for the change in the logic of the development of international processes in the Arctic from the idea of a global region with intensive international cooperation to confrontation. The author inclines to interpret the main reason for it through the prism of a systematic approach: as a result of the rearrangement of elements in the system of international relations due to the emergence of new poles of power, disagreements with the world hegemon arise, which leads to a redistribution of power. Another specific feature of the international relations in the Arctic is the configuration of regional players, when seven countries create a counterbalance to one Arctic power. This is clearly demonstrated through NATO’s activities in the region and the blocking of Russia’s participation in all forms of regional cooperation. The Arctic countries’ continued reluctance to collaboratе with Russia in the same way as before can also be explained by their growing state egoism.

A New Device (3D-MMD) and Method for Measuring Moisture Management Properties of Textiles

ABSTRACT Today, expectations from textile products have increased and the comfort features of clothes have gained more importance, especially for leisure and sports clothes. Therefore, the liquid moisture transmission of clothes is quite important, which has a significant effect on the body's ability to cool itself and the user's feeling cold after sweating. A new test instrument “3D-MMD” (3 Dimension Moisture Mapping Device), that measures the liquid moisture transmission feature of the fabrics in multidirection is introduced in this paper. The developed system includes two thermal cameras that allow measurement below and above of the sample. When the test liquid is dropped on the sample, the heat transfer occurs and due to the heat transfer during the transmission of moisture, the surface temperature of wetted and non-wetted parts of the fabric changes. This change is detected in the form of infrared data with the help of thermal cameras and converted into an electronic image. The wet area can be easily created by processing the images of the color visuals coming instantly from the thermal camera. The patent for this new method has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TR2020/21004). Meanwhile, the international patent application process continues (PCT/TR2021/051223).

Communicative and semantic guidelines in professional education for future foreign language teachers for aviators

Relevance. Communicative competence is considered a vital skill of the 21st century in the professional education of future foreign language instructors for aviators, given the processes of internationalisation and globalisation of the global society.Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyse the features of the development of intercultural and communicative competencies of students in the educational environment, considering the specifics of the aviation industry.Methodology. To achieve this purpose, the following methods were used: deductive, experiment with the use of a survey, and comparative.Results. The results revealed that the incorporation of educational methodologies guided by communicative and semantic principles leads to more effective learning and skill development, which future specialists can actively apply in their professional activities. According to the conducted experiment and survey, it was determined that the experimental group of graduates showed better results in mastering and promoting intercultural and communicative language skills than the control group, causing high motivation and effectiveness in the practical application of abilities. Language learning within the context of communicative and semantic guidelines is presented as a process of consciousness manifestation, forming connections with other knowledge when reflecting on real-world issues. Furthermore, it was established that aviation English language proficiency entails international and specific requirements aimed at ensuring safety and mutual understanding among professionals during their operations. To effectively inform and teach this language within educational programmes, various methodological tools and materials are necessary to consistently enhance and develop language skills in line with the high demands of the field and contemporary society.Conclusions. The practical value of this study lies in its application by academics studying thematic aspects of foreign language within the aviation industry, and educators and specialists in the pedagogical field.

How to predict the entry mode of international construction contractor: a case-based reasoning approach

PurposeThis study aimed to identify a specific taxonomy of entry modes for international construction contractors and to develop a decision-making mechanism based on case-based reasoning (CBR) to facilitate the selection of the most suitable entry modes.Design/methodology/approachAccording to the experience orientation of the construction industry, a CBR entry mode decision model was established, and based on successful historical cases, a two-step refinement process was carried out to identify similar situations. Then the validity of the model is proved by case analysis.FindingsThis study identified an entry mode taxonomy for international construction contractors (ICCs) and explored their decision-making mechanisms. First, a two-dimension model of entry mode for ICCs was constructed from ownership and value chain dimensions; seven common ICC entry modes were identified and ranked according to market commitment. Secondly, this study reveals the impact mechanism of the ICC entry mode from two aspects: the external environment and enterprise characteristics. Accordingly, an entry mode decision model is established.Practical implicationsFirstly, sorting out the categories of entry mode in the construction field, which provide an entry mode list for ICCs to select. Secondly, revealing the impact mechanism of ICC entry mode, which proposes a systematic decision-making system for the selection of ICC entry mode. Thirdly, constructing a CBR entry mode decision-making model from an empirical perspective, which offers tool support and reduces transaction costs in the decision-making process.Originality/valueThe study on entry modes for ICCs is still in the preliminary exploratory stage. The authors investigate the entry mode categories and decision-making mechanisms for ICCs based on Uppsala internationalization process theory. It widens the applied scope of Uppsala and promotes cross-disciplinary integration. In addition, the authors creatively propose a two-stage retrieval mechanism in the CBR model, which considers the order of decision variables. It refines the influence path of the decision variables on ICCs' entry mode.

Graftee and Grafting in Firm Internationalization

This study focuses on enhancing the understanding of how firm internationalization is triggered by investigating how firms cope with the lack of knowledge and networks when entering a foreign market. More specifically we are interested in answering the following research question: How do firms enter foreign markets without market-specific knowledge and market-specific network insidership? To this end, the present study implements a case study of 12 Swedish firms internationalizing into emerging markets. The study found that firms “graft” expert individuals to help firms penetrate foreign markets where they have no prior history or experience. Further, we observed the qualities of a specific type of actor we refer to as a “graftee” by describing grafting actions and showing how these graftees help firms acquire experiential knowledge and network insidership. Our empirical evidence shows that grafting impacts the form and process of internationalization, sometimes enabling an effectuation-driven market entry while, at other times, enabling a causation-driven process.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EMERGING MARKET MULTINATIONALS: A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE UPPSALA MODEL AND THE SPRINGBOARD PERSPECTIVE

Objective: This study focuses on the internationalization process of an important emerging markets multinational (EMM), aiming to understand how such companies manage to achieve relevant positions in the global economy. In seeking to understand its strategy and internationalization process, we tackle the debate on whether traditional behavioral international business theories are adequate to explain EMM internationalization processes. Method: An in-depth case study was performed with one of the largest global players in the beauty industry, Natura & Co. The case study method was selected given that an in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information was needed to investigate the phenomenon. Primary and secondary data were collected, analyzed, and triangulated. Main Results: This study brings the construct of organizational psychic distance to the discussion and how can it impact internationalization choices. Moreover, it illustrates how some EMMs are successfully applying concepts described by both traditional and EMM theories in their internationalization strategies Relevance / Originality: The study illustrates an empirical case from Latin America, a region poorly explored academically. Additionally, the case explains how a Brazilian company has managed to compete globally and become one of the biggest global players in the beauty industry. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: The case discusses, for the first time, the construct of organizational psychic distance and its impact on internationalization choices. It also defies the boundaries of the existing theories and enriches the literature by portraying the springboard perspective as complementary to the Uppsala model so that both theories can dialogue and be extended.

Becoming a Multilatina: strategic capabilities as necessary conditions for the internationalization of Latin American firms

PurposeThis study aims to challenge the generic interpretation of Multilatinas as Latin American firms that have been able to internationalize because of highly competitive strategic capabilities. The authors test whether capabilities that international business researchers commonly associate with internationalization are necessary at different stages of the internationalization process to better understand the extent to which emerging market (EM) firms need to develop them.Design/methodology/approachInternational business research suggests a positive association between strategic capabilities and firm internalization. However, it remains unclear what specific capabilities are necessary and when they are necessary. These questions are particularly important in the context of the internationalization of firms from emerging economies, such as Latin America. The authors apply necessary condition analysis (NCA) on a sample of Latin American firms at different internationalization stages to test what strategic capabilities represent necessary conditions for becoming a Multilatina.FindingsThe findings suggest that only a few strategic capabilities are necessary for Latin American firms to become “Multilatinas”. While entrepreneurial orientation and marketing and sales capabilities represent necessary conditions, EM firms may internationalize even though other capabilities are developed to a lesser extent. The authors reflect on how shifts in local markets and technology drive the emergence of different types of Multilatinas.Research limitations/implicationsMeasuring strategic capabilities across multiple EM firms implies a risk that firm-specific aspects are not fully captured. While the authors focused on the comparative competitive strength of capabilities and took great care to minimize measurement error, the authors acknowledge possible bias. Also, while NCA does not require a minimum sample size, findings from our sample of firms from four countries may not generalize to the region or other EMs.Originality/valueAs a relatively new statistical technique, the use of NCA has spread rapidly. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the linkage between organizational capabilities and firm internationalization has not been tested from a necessary conditions perspective yet. The reflections on the “Multilatina” concept based on the notion of EM firms as configurations of strategic capabilities inform current debates on EM multinational enterprises.

African Firms Internationalization: What Can We Learn from the Most Cited Articles Published in the Last Decade?

Abstract This article aims to develop a recent overlook of African firms’ internationalization and its importance in consideration of the growing interest of multinational stakeholders. We analysed 26 most-cited journal articles, i.e., based on the number of citations, in the last decade, indexed in the Web of Science database, i.e., from 2011 to 2021. The previously published studies revealed that the internationalization of African firms is a fast-growing stream of the broader topic of international entrepreneurship. Our review also summarized two main research areas identified in the studied literature. The first focuses on selected features of African firms’ internationalization process. The second part underpins factors influencing their internationalization. The provided structured knowledge from the most cited articles serves as a tool to improve stakeholders’ understanding of international entrepreneurship in Africa. The study also proposes future research directions in international business and entrepreneurship in Africa. The article contributes to international entrepreneurship research in Africa by enumerating those aspects that shape the internationalization path of these global firms.

Beyond the International Entrepreneurial Orientation–International Performance Nexus: Early or Late Internationalisation of SMEs?

Currently, knowledge around the role of international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) on different types of internationalisation is limited. This study aims to unveil whether and how IEO can improve international performance by focusing on the model adopted in the internationalisation process (a traditional versus born global model). Data were collected from 221 internationalised French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and analysed using a structural equation model. The results highlight that IEO had a significant positive effect on both international economic performance and export turnover for born globals, but not older firms. When we consider the IEO subdimensions, the findings show a stronger positive impact of both international proactiveness and innovativeness on the number of foreign markets and on export turnover for born globals. The study guides international SME managers on why and how they should adjust the IEO of their firms according to their internationalisation models to achieve superior performance internationally.

OP137 A Qualitative Exploration Of The National Institute For Health And Care Excellence’s Impact On International Health Technology Assessment

IntroductionThe National Institute For Health And Care Excellence (NICE) is widely acknowledged as a seminal health technology assessment (HTA) body, known for its transparent and accountable approach to decision-making. This research aimed to investigate the impact of NICE methodology and decisions on international HTA bodies. We sought to identify direct and indirect factors that may influence an international HTA body’s methods or outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to use a qualitative approach to understand the influence of NICE on other HTA bodies.MethodsWe conducted 13 semi-structured qualitative interviews with HTA and market access experts from industry and academia from nine countries (Brazil, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates). The interview script was organized into three main sections: comparing NICE methods and processes with other HTA bodies; the impact of specific NICE decisions; and Likert scale questions (to allow for comparability of opinions).ResultsMost interviewees believed their local HTA body would consider NICE’s decision when evaluating a medicine. However, the way and extent to which NICE influences HTA varied across countries. The most common means of considering a NICE decision was as background information or context for an HTA evaluation. Generally, interviewees suggested that negative NICE decisions had more impact on local decision-making than positive decisions. Nine of the 13 interviewees agreed or strongly agreed that their country’s HTA body considers the decisions of other HTA bodies in their decision-making process. Eleven of the 13 interviewees agreed or strongly agreed that the development of their country’s HTA body methods and processes was influenced by NICE.ConclusionsNICE is perceived to be a seminal HTA body, with continued influence on HTA agencies in other countries. However, the mechanisms and extent of this influence varies considerably between countries. We suggest that implicit factors are likely to contribute more to NICE’s influence than individual decisions. Nevertheless, further research is needed to reveal these factors and increase efficiency in international HTA decision-making processes.

International Arbitration and Artificial Intelligence: Ideas to Improve the Written Phase of Arbitral Proceedings

This article tracks a speech the author gave inMay 2023 at the 38th Annual ICC SIA QMUL Joint Symposium of Arbitrators, which focused on ideas to improve the international arbitration process. Arbitrators frequently complain about written submissions. Their most common complaint is that they are too long. They frequently have a hard time motivating to read them when they come in, if at all. While there is little prospect of written submissions becoming materially shorter, artificial intelligence (AI) may soon revolutionize the speed with which parties can produce them, resulting in proceedings becoming frontloaded. It may also help arbitrators isolate the material legal and factual issues and expedite the preparation of awards. AI is not a substitute for human expertise and judgment, but rather a tool that promises to augment human abilities and allow legal teams and arbitrators to work more efficiently and effectively. If you have yet to familiarize yourself with ChatGPT and the like, you would be well advised to do so sooner rather than later.

Діджиталізація як чинник швидкої інтернаціоналізації стартапів

The article defines the essence of the concept of "global startups", and examines the factors influencing their emergence and rapid spread in the global economy. The size of the local market, the state of development of the national innovation ecosystem, the number and availability of re-sources, the level of competition in the domestic market, state protection of intellectual property rights and technologies, etc. The authors summarized the approaches to interpreting the essence of the internationaliza-tion and digitalization processes and investigated their impact on global startup entrepreneurship. It was found that the connection between digitalization and the internationalization of startups is sig-nificant, as entrepreneurs increasingly use information and communication technologies in their dai-ly activities to analyze national and international market information, sell products or services, or contact potential customers, suppliers, or strategic customers and partners. Digitalization refers to the use of digital infrastructure, the Internet as a medium for selling products and services and cre-ating value for customers. Attention is focused on the importance of digitalization for the early internationalization of startups. Systematized key factors of the internationalization of start-up firms: institutional envi-ronment of the home and host country, industry and market conditions of the country of origin and host country, state of development of formal and informal institutions, access to venture and social capital networks, availability of knowledge about foreign markets, leadership and entrepreneurial traits cofounders of startups, their cultural traits and cognitive skills, the presence of global think-ing and broad business orientation of startup founders. Based on the analysis of the success stories of domestic startups on the global market, the conditions and features of the emergence of global startups of Ukrainian origin were studied. For local startups to enter international markets, strategies for their rapid internationaliza-tion have been identified: joining international professional associations, integrating the local busi-ness into the system of European and global value-added chains, and developing bilateral plans for industry and key economic areas of the country.

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.

Actorness of Small Power: The Case of Qatar

Historically, in the system of international relations, small states have been the object of power, not its source. However, at present there is an increasing involvement of small states in international processes and a continuing re-definition of their role in the international system. The foreign policy of Qatar is a perfect case to study these processes and to test the new theories. The article is devoted to the consideration of the tools of Qatar's foreign policy influence, which it successfully uses to protect and promote its own interests. Considering that this state is limited in terms of strategically important factors, such as area, population, diversity of natural resources, it has managed to gain significant importance in international affairs in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. This is due to a successful combination of the following factors: wealth, the image of a stable, progressive, and investment-friendly country and active diplomacy, which together make up its power potential.

INTERPOL’s Contribution and Prospective Roles in Tackling Migrant Smuggling Concerning Europe and Wider Area

Illegal migration is a major ongoing crisis affecting Europe, but, also, a global one. While the causes determining people to leave their habitat are diverse (violent conflicts, social unrest, economic problems, effects of the climate change and so on), what is obvious is that the migrant smugglers ruthlessly try to take advantage on their plight for profit purposes. In this regard, INTERPOL’s assistance to the national authorities, as well as its cooperation with other international organisations and agencies operating in the field of law enforcement cooperation, in countering migrant smuggling, is hugely important. As migrant trafficking is one of the driving forces of illegal migration, in the author’s opinion, in order to better counter the complex migrant smuggling networks, it would be needed a more comprehensive, targeted and tailored approach meant to facilitate simultaneous, quicker and coordinated operations in multiple jurisdictions.Aim: To describe the contribution of trafficking in migrants to the exacerbation of illegal migration, the role of INTERPOL in assisting European Union and its relevant agencies, as well as to contemplate to new ideas leading to solutions meant to tackle more effectively this scourge.Methodology: Having a solid experience in combating migrant smuggling, both at the operational and strategic level, as well as in the field of international Police cooperation, the Author, using both an empirical and a descriptive approach, tries to highlight the main elements of the problem based on which to contribute to a debate aimed at finding ideas and solutions for improving the efficiency of the fight against this criminal phenomenon, concerning the European continent and a wider area.Findings: The migrant smuggling networks are intrinsically connected to the phenomenon of illegal migration, looking to exploit its causes and take advantage on people’s vulnerabilities. These networks, which could be very dynamic and complex, easily spreads and infiltrates across national jurisdictions, requiring a strong response on behalf of the law enforcement agencies, which cannot be effective enough without ensuring a solid, smart and flexible international cooperation process, both at strategic and practical level. In this respect, INTERPOL’s role, alongside its partners at European and global level is essential.Value: The author’s purpose is that of describing the complexity and the implications of migrant smuggling on Europe, as well as to propose a more pragmatic, tailored and coordinated approach for fighting this phenomenon.

Digital technologies and knowledge processes: new emerging strategies in international business. A systematic literature review

PurposeThis study aims to focus on a key unanswered question about how digitalization and the knowledge processes it enables affect firms’ strategies in the international arena.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a systematic literature review of relevant theoretical and empirical studies covering over 20 years of research (from 2000 to 2023) and including 73 journal papers.FindingsThis review allows us to highlight a relationship between firms’ international strategies and the knowledge processes enabled by applying digital technologies. Specifically, the authors discuss the characteristics of patterns of knowledge flows and knowledge processes (their origin, the type of knowledge they carry on and their directionality) as determinants for the emergence of diverse international strategies embraced by single firms or by populations of firms within ecosystems, networks, global value chains or alliances.Originality/valueDespite digital technologies constituting important antecedents and critical factors for the internationalization process, and international businesses in general, and operating cross borders implies the enactment of highly knowledge-intensive processes, current literature still fails to provide a holistic picture of how firms strategically use what they know and seek out what they do not know in the international environment, using the affordances of digital technologies.

Analysis of the Path and Countermeasures for the Central Bank's Digital Currency to Boost the Internationalization of the RMB

In order to meet the needs of China's economic development and international trade, and to prevent potential risks arising from the international monetary system dominated by the US dollar, China officially began the process of RMB internationalization in 2009. However, in the process of development, it faces obstacles caused by factors such as US dollar hegemony and limited financial openness in China. In recent years, China has further developed the internationalization of the RMB and achieved significant results. Among them, the issuance of the Central Bank's Statutory Digital Currency (DC/EP) in 2020 has brought a new upgrade to the RMB. As an emerging circulation method, the digital RMB has the advantages of efficiency, convenience, centralized management, and information recording, bringing a new development to the internationalization of the RMB. It can be foreseen that with the development of China's economy and technology, the digital RMB will play an important role in future development. This article aims to analyze the current development status of RMB internationalization, explore the opportunities and challenges brought by the issuance of legal digital currency by the central bank to the development of RMB internationalization, and propose corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.

Research on the Impact of Low-carbon Economy on the Development of China’s Foreign Trade

Focusing on high energy and low emissions, the low-carbon economic revolution in the fields of industry, energy, technology, and commerce has brought barriers such as carbon tariffs and carbon labels to the international trade process. Based on the data from 2006 to 2021, this paper explores the impact of low-carbon economy on China’s foreign trade development from five levels: low-carbon production technology level, RMB exchange rate, financing capacity, force majeure trade obstacles, and national system. The results show that the improvement of technological level is positively correlated with the export of goods trade, the level of the RMB exchange rate is negatively correlated with the export of goods trade, the financing ability is positively correlated with the export of goods trade, the trade obstacle of force majeure is negatively correlated with the export of goods, and the promotion effect of the national system is not significant.

Youth and Violence in Brazil and Latin America: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches

Abstract Studies in Brazil and other Latin American countries have demonstrated how the expansion of illegal drug markets and firearms trafficking over borders has increased the risks for young people, especially those who live in socially vulnerable neighborhoods, of becoming victims of lethal violence. In addressing this scenario, we review some of the most relevant research approaches that seek to understand the involvement of young men in organized crime, the rise of criminal factions or groups and their internationalization process, and the social and institutional mechanisms that contribute to the production and reproduction of lethal violence. Delving both into sociological and anthropological studies in Brazil, as well as other Latin American contributions, we elaborate on the most promising contributions that combine an intersectional approach to the sociological and criminological theories most often employed to understand the involvement of youth with lethal violence in Brazil and the Latin American context.