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The Success Factors of Korean Global Start-Ups in the Digital Sectors Through Internationalization

Author

Listed:
  • Wenyan Yin

    (Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST))

  • Hwy-Chang Moon

    (Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST)
    Seoul National University)

  • Yeon W. Lee

    (Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST))

Abstract

With the growing importance of start-ups in building a sustainable national economy, both the Korean government and scholars are demonstrating growing interest in strengthening the competitiveness of start-ups. The Korean government has promoted a number of initiatives, but there are also a growing number of critics who argue that government regulations are obstacles to the efficient operation of start-ups and their competitiveness enhancement. Many of the preceding studies on Korean start-ups have emphasized the critical factors of survival and growth, including entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. However, these factors do not guarantee market success. In addition to technological capabilities, a good set of strategies are needed. This paper investigates how Korean global start-ups scale-up their businesses and gain success through global strategy. Specifically, this paper adopts the ABCD model and global value chain strategy to analyze the success factors of fast-growing Korean start-ups that operate in the ASEAN digital sectors. This paper argues that the growth of Korean digital start-ups through internationalization has not been directly accelerated by government support but rather to avoid government regulations. Moreover, the four strategic factors of the ABCD model facilitated their entry and success in the ASEAN market by developing a cooperative relationship with local firms for efficient operations on a cross-border network.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenyan Yin & Hwy-Chang Moon & Yeon W. Lee, 2019. "The Success Factors of Korean Global Start-Ups in the Digital Sectors Through Internationalization," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 42-53, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijogbc:v:14:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s42943-019-00003-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s42943-019-00003-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Amit Kumar & Bala Krishnamoorthy, 2020. "Business Analytics Adoption in Firms: A Qualitative Study Elaborating TOE Framework in India," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 80-93, December.
    3. Kirankumar S. Momaya, 2020. "Return from COVID-19: Thinking Differently About Export Competitiveness and Sustainability," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, June.
    4. Nam, Jinyoung & Jung, Yoonhyuk & Kim, Junghwan, 2024. "Understandings of the AI business ecosystem in South Korea: AI startups’ perspective," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(6).
    5. H. Kiran Kumar & B. R. Naveen & J. Savitha, 2022. "Business Factors Challenging SMEs for Adopting Cloud-Based Solutions," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 203-214, December.
    6. Wipada Thaothampitak & Sippavit Wongsuwatt & Therdchai Choibamroong, 2023. "The influence of key success factors on business growth for tourism business along Thailand’s Andaman coast: moderating role of location," Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, vol. 29(2), pages 195-206.
    7. Krishna Satyanarayana & Deepak Chandrashekar & Bala Subrahmanya Mungila Hillemane, 2021. "An Assessment of Competitiveness of Technology-Based Startups in India," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 28-38, June.

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