A Conceptual Framework For The Internationalisation Process: Strategic Solution For Companies In A Geopolitically Uncertain World

Geoeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping the rules of internationalization, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). While large multinational corporations can absorb shocks through scale, resources, and diversified operations, SMEs in less affluent EU member states are more vulnerable to disruptions caused by war, supply chain volatility, inflation, or regulatory instability. Their limited capital and market power make internationalization more difficult, although their survival often depends on expanding abroad. Existing internationalization models such as Uppsala, Born Global, or the Network approach provide valuable insights, but they remain general frameworks. They were not designed to capture the specific vulnerabilities of SMEs in CEE facing geoeconomic and geopolitical risks. This study addresses this gap by developing an adapted conceptual model - named SAGE (Scanning, Assessment, Governance, Evaluation) - that transforms classical theories into a practical system for uncertainty management. The model emphasises that although uncertainty cannot be fully predicted or controlled, SMEs can still benefit from their flexibility and speed in decision-making by adopting a structured process of scanning, assessing, governance and evaluation, thereby turning agility into a strategic advantage. The framework is developed through an extensive literature review of internationalization theories and uncertainty management, combined with a case study in a SME from CEE applying internationalization under uncertainty. The expected results highlight that SMEs equipped with the SAGE system can mitigate the disadvantages of limited resources, enhance resilience, and pursue internationalisation even under volatile conditions.