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Theoretical approach to the internationalization of SMEs: future research prospects based on bibliometric analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Monika Bužavaitė

    (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), Lithuania)

  • Deniss Ščeulovs

    (Riga Technical University, Latvia)

  • Renata Korsakienė

    (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), Lithuania)

Abstract

SMEs are considered as the important factor for economic development of countries and thus, internationalization of SMEs plays a significant role in this phenomenon. The internationalization theories are still expanding and being developed by the scholars. While a number of studies explained internationalization, investigations of international behavior of SMEs demonstrates mixed results. The paper aims to overview the theories of internationalization and reveal the interpretations of internationalization concept. The research is based on analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature. In addition, the bibliometric data of accomplished studies in the field of SMEs internationalization were analyzed. The data were collected from Clarivate analytics database. The yearly number of articles in 1990-2019, top authors, journals and locations were considered. Visualization graphics with "VOSviewer" software were developed based on the same bibliometric data. The graphics reflected co-citations of keywords, authors, sources, and referencies among the selected articles. The research contributes to the prevailing studies by revealing the trends and possible research streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Monika Bužavaitė & Deniss Ščeulovs & Renata Korsakienė, 2019. "Theoretical approach to the internationalization of SMEs: future research prospects based on bibliometric analysis," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 6(3), pages 1497-1511, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:6:y:2019:i:3:p:1497-1511
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2019.6.3(31)
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schweizer, Roger, 2012. "The internationalization process of SMEs: A muddling-through process," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 65(6), pages 745-751.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Solomon Akpoviroro Kowo & Olusegun Adeleke Oba Adenuga & Olalekan Owotutu Sabitu, 2019. "The role of SMEs development on poverty alleviation in Nigeria," Post-Print hal-02188849, HAL.
    2. Zaiyang Xie & Runhui Lin & Jie Mi & Na Li, 2019. "Improving Enterprises’ Cross-Border M&A Sustainability in the Globalization Age—Research on Acquisition and Application of the Foreign Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Solomon Akpoviroro Kowo & Olusegun Adeleke Oba Adenuga & Olalekan Owotutu Sabitu, 2019. "The role of SMEs development on poverty alleviation in Nigeria," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 1(3), pages 214-226, September.
    4. Małgorzata Kędzior-Laskowska, 2020. "Polish road freight transport and process of internationalisation – selected effects for quality and competitiveness," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 7(3), pages 2481-2493, March.
    5. Pandey, Dharen Kumar & Hunjra, Ahmed Imran & Hassan, M. Kabir & Rai, Varun Kumar, 2023. "Venture capital financing during crises: A bibliometric review," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    6. Julian Andrés Diaz Tautiva & Felipe Ignacio Rifo Rivera & Sebastian Andrés Barros Celume & Sergio Andrés Rifo Rivera, 2024. "Mapping the research about organisations in the latin american context: a bibliometric analysis," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 74(1), pages 121-169, February.
    7. Julián Andres Díaz Tautiva & Joana Huaman & Roberto D. Ponce Oliva, 2024. "Trends in research on climate change and organizations: a bibliometric analysis (1999–2021)," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 74(1), pages 227-261, February.
    8. Gedas Baranauskas & Agota Giedrė Raišienė & Renata Korsakienė, 2020. "Mapping the Scientific Research on Mass Customization Domain: A Critical Review and Bibliometric Analysis," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-20, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    internationalization; Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs); internationalization theories; bibliometric analysis; VOSviewer; visualization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other

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