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Determinants of SME Internationalisation: An Empirical Assessment of Born Global Firms

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  • Syed Khusro Chishty

    (Department of Business Administration, College of Administrative and Financial Science, Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sonia Sayari

    (Department of Business Administration, College of Administrative and Financial Science, Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia
    Higher Institute of Accounting and Business Administration (ISCAE), University of Manouba, Tunis 2010, Tunisia)

  • Amani Hamza Mohamed

    (Department of Marketing and Management, Hekma School of Business and Law, Dar Al Hekma University, Jeddah 22246, Saudi Arabia)

  • Asra Inkesar

    (Department of Business Administration, College of Administrative and Financial Science, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 93499, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed Faishal Mallick

    (Department of Business Administration, College of Administrative and Financial Science, Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia)

  • Nusrat Khan

    (Department of Business Administration, College of Administrative and Financial Science, Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The research concentrates on determining the degree of internationalization of born global SMEs, believing that some push factors determine internationalization, pull factors, and internal firm-specific factors. Three important factors were found in looking into the causes of internationalization in born global firms: push, pull, and internal firm-specific factors. The study used a survey instrument with a sample of 280 manufacturing-related SMEs chosen from manufacturing clusters in India. A metric called the “index of internationalization” is used to gauge how internationalization in SMEs takes shape. The results demonstrated that internal firm-specific factors influence the internationalization of firms relatively highly compared to push and pull factors. The results unequivocally demonstrate that developing economies have distinct factors that cause internationalization, opening up new avenues for further study. The research aids in the identification of the elements that will enhance early internationalization and tries to draw the attention of young entrepreneurs. This research also helps prioritize the factors responsible for early internationalization. These findings are pertinent for the practitioners and researchers working in this area. This research is helpful for start-ups looking for global opportunities; this research categorizes factors significant in the global journey of the born global firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Syed Khusro Chishty & Sonia Sayari & Amani Hamza Mohamed & Asra Inkesar & Mohammed Faishal Mallick & Nusrat Khan, 2025. "Determinants of SME Internationalisation: An Empirical Assessment of Born Global Firms," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:199-:d:1629269
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Fernhaber, Stephanie A. & Li, Dan, 2013. "International exposure through network relationships: Implications for new venture internationalization," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 316-334.
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