AbstmctThis study offers a contribution to our understanding of the role of a global mindset in the successful internationalization of small and medium-sized companies. The particular focus is on the drivers of the global mindset and the connection with performance. We created a framework and tested it, empirically, with a representative sample of small Finnish companies in the field of information and communications technology (ICT). The jndings indicate that managerial experience and market characteristics are important drivers of the global mindset, which, in turn, is one of the key parameters of international performance. The paper includes our conclusions, a discussion of the litnitations of the study and the managerial implications, and suggestions for future research.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This article investigates venture failure in the context of rapid internationalisation using a literature-based framework and four illustrative cases from Finland and Ireland. In addition to introducing a contextualised definition of failure, we offer a holistic framework for analysing failure in future studies while also identifying critical incidents, as well as internal and external factors, informing the failure process. The findings suggest that managerial capabilities, particularly managerial experience and business competence, filter the external drivers of failure.

No abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to describe and analyse the change process related to internationalisation among three internationalising Irish SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a retrospective case study. The data were collected with face‐to‐face interviews with the founding CEOs.FindingsThe study indicates that the changes in SME internationalisation would be more multidimensional than assumed. The level of change due to internationalisation varies considerably and the different types of change are closely intertwined. However, the cases verified that the framework created is a well‐functioning tool for analysing such changes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is an exploratory one, and the findings are based on three cases. Therefore the results can only be considered tentative. Additionally, the retrospective nature of the research design is challenging, as it puts weight on the respondents' memory and ability to identify change.Practical implicationsBased on the findings SMEs might be able to anticipate future changes in the environment and adapt to them. This could also be reflected in their strategic planning. Additionally, the information can be utilised in organising public support for internationalising SMEs.Originality/valueIn contrast to the mainstream research which focuses on the change process, the study examines the content of change, i.e. what actually changed in the company during internationalisation.