IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/aes/amfeco/v28y2026i72p630.html

Integrating Digitalisation into SMEs Internationalisation Strategies. A Qualitative Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Adriana Biea

    (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Paul-Claudiu Cotirlet

    (Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, Romania)

  • Florentina Neamtu

    (George Bacovia University of Bacau, Romania)

  • Bogdan-Gabriel Nistoreanu

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This article explores the role of digitalisation in the internationalisation of Romanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various industries. The purpose of the research is to highlight how SMEs use digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analysis platforms, to expand their presence in foreign markets and improve their competitiveness and organisational performance. The study is based on a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews with 10 Romanian managers and founders of SMEs active in foreign markets. Thematic analysis of the data identified the main benefits of adopting digital tools, including operational efficiency, access to strategic information, and facilitation of international collaboration, but also the associated challenges, such as adapting technologies to local requirements and technical and cultural barriers. The results highlight the importance of digitalisation in the internationalisation of SMEs and offer useful insights for decision-makers who want to stimulate and support the competitiveness and performance of their organisation, with cloud computing and artificial intelligence digital tools emerging as key catalysts. The contribution of this research is to advance a multivalent and integrative perspective based on the role, benefits, and challenges associated with digitalisation in relation to the internationalisation of SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Adriana Biea & Paul-Claudiu Cotirlet & Florentina Neamtu & Bogdan-Gabriel Nistoreanu, 2026. "Integrating Digitalisation into SMEs Internationalisation Strategies. A Qualitative Analysis," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 28(72), pages 630-630, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aes:amfeco:v:28:y:2026:i:72:p:630
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.amfiteatrueconomic.ro/temp/Article_3541.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Namita Rajput & Vikas Garg & Emilia Alaverdov & Jyotsna & Shivani G. Varmani, 2023. "International Business and Block-Chain Ventures," Springer Books, in: Gurinder Singh & Richa Goel & Vikas Garg (ed.), Industry 4.0 and the Digital Transformation of International Business, pages 69-83, Springer.
    2. Cristian Valentin Hapenciuc & Florina Pînzaru & Elena-Madalina Vatamanescu & Pavel Stanciu, 2015. "Converging Sustainable Entrepreneurship and the Contemporary Marketing Practices. An Insight into Romanian Start-Ups," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 17(40), pages 938-938, August.
    3. Fraccastoro, Dr Sara & Vanninen, Dr Heini & Gabrielsson, Prof Mika, 2025. "Two decades of research on digitalization, entrepreneurship, and internationalization: What foundations do they provide for research on digital entrepreneurial internationalization?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(4).
    4. Qi, Wenhao & Sun, Meng & Hosseini, Seyed Reza Aghaseyed, 2023. "Facilitating big-data management in modern business and organizations using cloud computing: a comprehensive study," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 29(4), pages 697-723, July.
    5. Shahriar Akter & Katina Michael & Muhammad Rajib Uddin & Grace McCarthy & Mahfuzur Rahman, 2022. "Transforming business using digital innovations: the application of AI, blockchain, cloud and data analytics," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 308(1), pages 7-39, January.
    6. Yanling Chang & Eleftherios Iakovou & Weidong Shi4, 2019. "Blockchain in Global Supply Chains and Cross Border Trade: A Critical Synthesis of the State-of-the-Art, Challenges and Opportunities," Papers 1901.02715, arXiv.org.
    7. Mikalef, Patrick & Islam, Najmul & Parida, Vinit & Singh, Harkamaljit & Altwaijry, Najwa, 2023. "Artificial intelligence (AI) competencies for organizational performance: A B2B marketing capabilities perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wang, Binni & Wang, Pong & Tu, Yiliu, 2021. "Customer satisfaction service match and service quality-based blockchain cloud manufacturing," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    2. Rehman, Anisur & Behera, Rajat Kumar & Islam, Md Saiful & Elahi, Yasir Arafat & Abbasi, Faraz Ahmad & Imtiaz, Asma, 2024. "Drivers of metaverse adoption for enhancing marketing capabilities of retail SMEs," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. De Keyser, Arne & Antonetti, Paolo & Rouziou, Maria & Béal, Mathieu & Wang, Zih-Hsiang & Grégoire, Yany & Lussier, Bruno, 2025. "Understanding the B2B customer experience and journey: A convergence-based lens," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    4. Chin, Tachia & Li, Zhisheng & Huang, Leping & Li, Xinyu, 2025. "How artificial intelligence promotes new quality productive forces of firms: A dynamic capability view," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    5. Ruxandra Bejinaru & Cristian Valentin Hapenciuc & Iulian Condratov & Pavel Stanciu, 2018. "The University Role in Developing the Human Capital for a Sustainable Bioeconomy," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 20(49), pages 583-583, August.
    6. Madjid Tavana & Arash Khalili Nasr & Francisco J. Santos-Arteaga & Esmaeel Saberi & Hassan Mina, 2024. "An optimization model with a lagrangian relaxation algorithm for artificial internet of things-enabled sustainable circular supply chain networks," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 342(1), pages 767-802, November.
    7. Maria Orhean Vranceanu & Carmen Eugenia Nastase & Ancuta Lucaci, 2024. "The Perception of Tourism Entrepreneurs in Bukovina Region on Green Economy and Sustainability," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(1), pages 112-120, August.
    8. Juan Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro & Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu & Dan-Cristian Dabija & Luminița Nicolescu, 2024. "The role of knowledge and interpersonal competences in the development of civic and public engagement and entrepreneurial intention," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 189-213, March.
    9. Ifeyinwa Juliet Orji & Chukwuebuka Martinjoe U-Dominic, 2026. "The effect of supply chain learning in mitigating the challenges to adopting artificial intelligence for supply chain sustainability," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 358(3), pages 1561-1602, March.
    10. Bevilacqua, Simone & Ferraris, Alberto & Matzler, Kurt & Kuděj, Michal, 2026. "Strategic leadership at high altitude: Investigating how AI affects the required skills of top managers," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    11. Chen, Hong & Hu, Shangui & Cai, Yuqing, 2024. "Driving effect of fintech on firm green innovation in China's strategic emerging industries: The mediating role of digital transformation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(PA).
    12. Elena Dinu & Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu & Roxana-Maria Stăneiu & Mihaela Rusu, 2023. "An Exploratory Study Linking Intellectual Capital and Technology Management towards Innovative Performance in KIBS," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    13. Hao, Pu & Alharbi, Samar S. & Hunjra, Ahmed Imran & Zhao, Shikuan, 2025. "How do ESG ratings promote digital technology innovation?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    14. Belhadi, Amine & Venkatesh, Mani & Kamble, Sachin & Abedin, Mohammad Zoynul, 2024. "Data-driven digital transformation for supply chain carbon neutrality: Insights from cross-sector supply chain," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    15. Arne de Keyser & Paolo Antonetti & Maria Rouziou & Mathieu Béal & Zih-Hsiang Wang & Yany Grégoire & Bruno Lussier, 2025. "Understanding the B2B customer experience and journey : A convergence-based lens," Post-Print hal-05098375, HAL.
    16. Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu & Patrizia Gazzola & Violeta Mihaela Dincă & Roberta Pezzetti, 2017. "Mapping Entrepreneurs’ Orientation towards Sustainability in Interaction versus Network Marketing Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-18, September.
    17. Kumar, Sourabh & Barua, Mukesh Kumar, 2023. "Exploring the hyperledger blockchain technology disruption and barriers of blockchain adoption in petroleum supply chain," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    18. Zou, Xinni & Fu, Zongping & Tian, Zhengjie & Peng, Zheng, 2026. "Can the application of artificial intelligence technology and financial innovation drive the digital transformation of enterprises?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    19. Denis E. Matytsin & Valentin A. Dzedik & Galina A. Markeeva & Saglar B. Boldyreva, 2023. "“Smart” outsourcing in support of the humanization of entrepreneurship in the artificial intelligence economy," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    20. Zhao, Lang & Xu, Jiawei & Zhang, Baofeng & Lu, Jianjun, 2026. "Leveraging AI to enhance firms’ resource efficiency: ecological modernization theory and resource-based view perspectives," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    JEL classification:

    • F20 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - General
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L19 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Other
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:aes:amfeco:v:28:y:2026:i:72:p:630. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Valentin Dumitru (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/aseeero.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.