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Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in international business: A survey of recent literature

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  • Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter

Abstract

It is often argued that the process of globalization has mainly favoured large-scale multinational companies which are able to organize their business efficiently within internal hierarchies. However, globalization has not only pushed cross-border intra-finn transactions but also other arrangements among firms such as licensing or subcontracting that fall short of ownership involvements. This opens up new opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises, too. The paper provides a general introduction to small and medium sized enterprises' international business. It reviews the more recent theoretical discussion and presents the results of several empirical studies. Finally, it explores the implications for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter, 1996. "Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in international business: A survey of recent literature," Kiel Working Papers 721, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sander, Birgit, 1996. "East-West co-operation of small and medium sized enterprises: evidence from the Berlin region," Kiel Working Papers 724, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    2. Brenke, Karl & Eickelpasch, Alexander & Sander, Birgit & Postlep, Rolf-Dieter & Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter & Gerling, Katja & Beer, Siegfried & Ragnitz, Joachim & Rothfels, Jacqueline, 1997. "Gesamtwirtschaftliche und unternehmerische Anpassungsfortschritte in Ostdeutschland: Sechzehnter Bericht," Kiel Discussion Papers 302/303, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    3. Loose, Brigitte & Ludwig, Udo, 2001. "Überregionale Absatztätigkeit der ostdeutschen Industrie– eine empirische Analyse anhand der Daten des IAB-Betriebspanels –," IWH Discussion Papers 153/2001, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    4. Sander, Birgit, 1997. "Do border economies generate comparative advantages for small- and medium-sized enterprises? Evidence from the Maquiladora industry," Kiel Working Papers 806, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior

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