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Archetypes of SME internationalization: A configurational approach

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  • Cerrato, Daniele
  • Crosato, Lisa
  • Depperu, Donatella

Abstract

Building on the recognition of the variety of aspects associated with international expansion, we present a framework for identifying different archetypes of firm internationalization. Our model is based on six indicators: internationalization from the demand side, resources located abroad, geographical scope, international orientation, internationalization of the business network, and financial internationalization. Drawing from data on 63 Italian SMEs, four archetypes of internationalization strategy are identified through a cluster analysis: ‘marketer’, ‘investor’, ‘networker’, and ‘weak internationalizer’. This study offers a methodological contribution to the analysis of firm-level internationalization, grounded in configurational theory, which defines strategies as multidimensional archetypes. We also discuss potential directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Cerrato, Daniele & Crosato, Lisa & Depperu, Donatella, 2016. "Archetypes of SME internationalization: A configurational approach," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 286-295.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:25:y:2016:i:1:p:286-295
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2015.05.010
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    10. G. G. Nalbandyan, 2019. "Internationalization Strategies Of Russian Non-Energy Companies," Strategic decisions and risk management, Real Economy Publishing House, vol. 10(1).
    11. Deniss Sceulovs, 2016. "Development of Different SMEs Growing Stages using Configurational Theory," GATR Journals gjbssr444, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    12. Jafari Sadeghi, Vahid & Biancone, Paolo Pietro, 2018. "How micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are driven outward the superior international trade performance? A multidimensional study on Italian food sector," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 597-606.
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    14. Dominguez, Noémie & Mayrhofer, Ulrike, 2017. "Internationalization stages of traditional SMEs: Increasing, decreasing and re-increasing commitment to foreign markets," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 1051-1063.
    15. Alise Mactama & Arnis Sauka, 2019. "Developing Local Entrepreneurship Ecosystems by Foreign Investment," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 13(4), pages 35-46.
    16. Amy Van Looy & Peter Trkman & Els Clarysse, 2022. "A Configuration Taxonomy of Business Process Orientation," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 64(2), pages 133-147, April.
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    18. Ângelo Miguel R. Cabral & Fernando Manuel P. O. Carvalho & José António Vasconcelos Ferreira, 2020. "SMEs’ International Strategic Groups and Top Managers’ Psychological Characteristics," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-22, November.
    19. Pisani, Niccolò & Caldart, Adrián & Hopma, Jaël, 2017. "SMEs' formation of minority international joint ventures and level of internationalization: The moderating role of a global versus regional focus," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 414-424.
    20. Osarenkhoe, Aihie & Fjellström, Daniella, 2017. "Clusters’ Vital Role in Promoting International Competitive Advantage - Towards an Explanatory Model of Regional Growth," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 175-194.
    21. Azlina Mohamad & Adriana Mohd Rizal & Suzilawati Kamarudin & Musli Sahimi, 2022. "Exploring the Co-Creation of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Service Providers Enabled by Digital Interactive Platforms for Internationalization: A Case Study in Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-24, December.
    22. Ticián Baranyai & Miklós Kozma, 2019. "Family Firms with New Leaders in the Global Market.– A Potential Success Story?," Acta Oeconomica, Akadémiai Kiadó, Hungary, vol. 69(supplemen), pages 131-162, December.
    23. Juan García-Álvarez de Perea & Carolina Ramírez-García & Aida Del Cubo-Molina, 2019. "Internationalization Business Models and Patterns of SMEs and MNEs: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study in the Agrifood Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-26, May.
    24. Bauweraerts, Jonathan & Sciascia, Salvatore & Naldi, Lucia & Mazzola, Pietro, 2019. "Family CEO and board service: Turning the tide for export scope in family SMEs," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 1-1.

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