* p < .05; two-tailed test. ** p < .01; two-tailed test.

This is a repository copy of Advancing the entrepreneurial orientation construct: the role of passion and perseverance.

This paper investigates the role of learning orientation in the post-entry performance of international new ventures (INVs) by examining the relationships of niche strategy, network resources, and learning orientation with the multi-dimensional post-entry performance of INVs. Based on the INV internationalisation literature, we develop and validate a conceptual model, using a sample of 147 INVs from the two relatively small and open economies of New Zealand and Australia. The results show that the learning orientation of INVs positively mediates the relationship between niche orientation and network resources and INVs' post-entry performance. Our study indicates that learning orientation may be an important capability through which INVs' focused international business (IB) strategies and resources (e.g., niche orientation and network resources) may influence their multi-dimensional post-entry performance in terms of operational, financial, and overall effectiveness measures. We draw key implications for research on INVs' post-entry behaviour by explicating the role played by the firms' learning capabilities, and how these capabilities may interact with their strategies and resources in enhancing the post-entry performance of INVs.

 This study examines the measurement of performance for international new ventures (INVs)  We adopt a mixed methods approach using exploratory interviews and a quantitative survey sample of 310 New Zealand and Australian firms  We find that INVs use a variety of international performance measures which includes financial and operational performance indicators and organisational effectiveness  We find that INVs tend to be more international performance oriented than non-INVs  Our study also indicates that financial performance is generally more important than operational performance for INVs  We also find industry-specific differences in that manufacturing INVs tend to place more importance on financial performance than service INVs *Highlights (for review)

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Trade shows are a key vehicle where SMEs often develop networks, through which valuable resources for internationalisation can be acquired. However, there tends to be a scarcity of research on the performance outcomes of network development of international SMEs (ISMEs), particularly, in trade show forums. Adopting a network-based view, we investigate the influence of trade shows on the performance of ISMEs. Results from a survey of 229 Australian and New Zealand SMEs indicate that proactiveness is positively associated with the development of networks through trade shows, which, in turn, increases the firms’ operational performance, but not financial performance. In addition, the effect of trade shows is generally more beneficial for ISMEs in the service industry, compared to other industries.

Developing countries are increasingly recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI). In this regard, governments are attempting to attract FDI due to the expected spillover effects, which relate to benefits in terms of increased productivity of local firms and technology diffusion from multinational enterprises (MNEs) to the domestic economy. However, it is generally not clear whether there are positive or negative spillover effects from FDI to local firms in developing economies. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on spillover effects and linkages that arise from FDI in developing countries. Our review suggests that there tends to be negative intra-industry productivity spillover effects (i.e., spillovers between MNEs and local firms in the same industry). This may be explained by the fact that MNEs crowd out local competitors that are not able to compete against MNEs, and by the concept of “absorptive capacity” which implies that local firms may not be able to assimilate and absorb knowledge of MNEs. However, we find evidence for positive inter-industry spillovers through linkages between MNE affiliates and suppliers in different industry sectors which may be attributed to the benefits for MNEs in transferring knowledge and technology to their local suppliers. The study offers suggestions for future research

Purpose The purpose of the study is to investigate the international opportunity development process of born global firms embedded in two different institutional contexts: China, an emerging economy and Italy, a developed country. Drawing on the entrepreneurial opportunity literature and institutional theory, this study explores and draws insights into how home country institutions of born globals can influence the international opportunity development process of the firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative case study approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews of six born global companies from China and Italy. In doing so, this study uses a flexible pattern matching design, which is consistent with the qualitative research design of the paper. Findings The findings of the study indicate that home institutions play an influential, yet differential role in the international opportunity development processes of Chinese and Italian born global firms. While the Italian firms shape their opportunities mainly through product innovation, their Chinese counterparts develop opportunities primarily through networks embedded in their home institutional context. Originality/value The key contributions of the paper relate to an integrated analysis of the international opportunity development process of born globals in China and Italy based on institutional theory, which has received limited attention in the international entrepreneurship literature. In addition, the study advances the similarities and differences in the international opportunity development process in two different countries, thus providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to enter international markets successfully.