BMI and Re-internationalization

“You can’t step twice in the same river” warned Heraclitus. But firms do “step in” and return to internationalization. A key question is whether it is the “same river.” Series of concerns are to be addressed for re-internationalization to happen and be successful. Why, and equally important how, to “step in” again, revive outward cross-border activities after de-internationalization. What was learned, what was unlearned in the process? What is the new dominant BM logic that must be adopted to re-internationalize? What BMI opportunities exist to innovate the firm re-internationalization pattern (e.g., how, why, when, what, where, who), capacity (e.g., resources, capabilities, processes, structures, strategies, motivation), and logic? What is the most optimal value driver and BM configuration to achieve target re-internationalization effects? From this myriad of questions, we will address the following questions in this chapter. What are the “hows” of re-internationalization? How the “whys” of de-internationalization, moderated by BMI, can inform the modes, or “hows,” of re-internationalization? And, how five value drivers and BM configurations can moderate de-internationalization and re-internationalization (Fig. 1.2 )?