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Key Factors In The Internationalization Process Of Born Global Romanian Software Companies: An Exploratory Study

Author

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  • Anca BUTNARIU
  • Claudia CIOBANU
  • Florin LUCA
  • Dumitru FILIPEANU

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to bring several insights into the enablers of the rapid internationalization process of born global companies, in the framework of recent research that challenged the traditional theories on internationalization. After a thorough review of literature on factors that enable the rapid expansion of newly founded companies, we proposed several features divided into attributes of BGs that are expected triggers for the early and accelerated internationalization in unknown markets. This theoretical framework was overlapped with the empirical findings from four case studies of IT Romanian companies, with the aim to uncover in what extent these firm cases match the predicted pattern of internationalization. Our results show that strategic flexibility, innovation capability, and entrepreneurial ability allowed these companies to rapidly internationalise in unknown markets and become successful players. We also found that SMEs in IT industry are part of collaborative networks, are more entrepreneurial, have more innovation and learning capabilities, are more customer-oriented and have more flexible strategies than other companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Anca BUTNARIU & Claudia CIOBANU & Florin LUCA & Dumitru FILIPEANU, 2025. "Key Factors In The Internationalization Process Of Born Global Romanian Software Companies: An Exploratory Study," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 19(1), pages 235-250, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:rom:mancon:v:19:y:2025:i:1:p:235-250
    DOI: 10.24818/IMC/2025/03.02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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