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Constraints, internationalization and growth: A cross-country analysis of European SMEs

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  • Hessels, Jolanda
  • Parker, Simon C.

Abstract

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are known to face barriers which limit their ability to grow. We build on resource dependency theory and the resource-based view to investigate how SMEs are able to achieve venture growth in the face of these constraints by adopting internationalization and inter-firm collaboration strategies. Based on a large sample of European SMEs, our research demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between specific dimensions of internationalization and inter-firm collaborations, in particular between exporting and importing, and between formal and informal collaborations – as well as context-specificity of these strategies with respect to the types of constraints SMEs face.

Suggested Citation

  • Hessels, Jolanda & Parker, Simon C., 2013. "Constraints, internationalization and growth: A cross-country analysis of European SMEs," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 137-148.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:48:y:2013:i:1:p:137-148
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2012.06.014
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