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The development of international e-commerce in retail SMEs: An effectuation perspective

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  • Tolstoy, Daniel
  • Nordman, Emilia Rovira
  • Hånell, Sara Melén
  • Özbek, Nurgül

Abstract

There is an urgent need in the field of international entrepreneurship to elucidate how SMEs can pursue new opportunities in a digital international business environment. The purpose of this study is to examine, by using effectuation theory, the processes by which retail SMEs develop international e-commerce in foreign markets. This research is based upon qualitative data from three Swedish retail-SMEs. This study makes a theoretical contribution to international entrepreneurship research by providing more granular insights into the actual drivers of e-commerce internationalisation. In particular, this study illustrates how capabilities underlie the processes of international e-commerce development.

Suggested Citation

  • Tolstoy, Daniel & Nordman, Emilia Rovira & Hånell, Sara Melén & Özbek, Nurgül, 2021. "The development of international e-commerce in retail SMEs: An effectuation perspective," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:56:y:2021:i:3:s1090951620300936
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2020.101165
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