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Internationalisation Of Small And Medium Sized Enterprises €“ Insights From The Literature

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  • Tihana Koprivnjak Popovic

    (Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)

Abstract

Given their role and importance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force in many economies. Researching their specificities is a basis for understanding their needs and possible levers that would enable their growth and development. The internationalisation of SMEs is a different process from the internationalisation of large companies and it is necessary to understand the specificities of this process. This paper reviews the literature in order to summarise the existing knowledge on the process of internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that offers a comprehensive overview of various important aspects of the internationalisation process. The proposed framework explains factors, barriers and possible approaches to SME internationalisation and provides guidance for future empirical research.

Suggested Citation

  • Tihana Koprivnjak Popovic, 2024. "Internationalisation Of Small And Medium Sized Enterprises €“ Insights From The Literature," Economic Thought and Practice, Department of Economics and Business, University of Dubrovnik, vol. 33(2), pages 585-603, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:avo:emipdu:v:33:y:2024:i:2:p:585-603
    DOI: 10.17818/EMIP/2024/2.12
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Leonidas C. Leonidou, 2004. "An Analysis of the Barriers Hindering Small Business Export Development," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(3), pages 279-302, July.
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    5. Weerawardena, Jay & Mort, Gillian Sullivan & Liesch, Peter W. & Knight, Gary, 2007. "Conceptualizing accelerated internationalization in the born global firm: A dynamic capabilities perspective," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 42(3), pages 294-306, September.
    6. Antonella Zucchella & Birgit Hagen & Stefano Denicolai & Monica Masucci, 2016. "Early and accelerated internationalisation: the role of the niche strategy in a new generation of exporters," International Journal of Export Marketing, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 1(1), pages 27-47.
    7. Junghyun Yoon & Ki Keun Kim & Alisher Tohirovich Dedahanov, 2018. "The Role of International Entrepreneurial Orientation in Successful Internationalization from the Network Capability Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-14, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    internationalisation of SMEs; internationalisation theory; factors; barriers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • L53 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Enterprise Policy

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