Purpose – The paper aims to explore the internationalisation decision-making of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner/managers. Specifically, structural alignment theory (SAT) and regulatory focus theory (RFT) are utilised to examine the concept of opportunity recognition in the context of internationalisation choices. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is conceptual in nature, and an integrative cognitive model of internationalisation choice decisions is developed based on SAT and RFT, underpinned by a critical review of the international entrepreneurship (IE) literature. Findings – Scenarios are identified in which the structure of available information may affect the decision-evaluation process in terms of cognitive resource requirements. Further, the SME owner/manager’s motivational goal orientation is suggested to moderate the role of the information structure in line with IE literature. A conceptual model and propositions are presented. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual model and the propositions arising from the discussion in this paper offer new directions of research to explore SME internationalisation. Originality/value – This paper offers a cognitive perspective of SME internationalisation. This paper offers insights for policymakers, SME owner/managers, practitioners and researchers alike. For internationalisation decisions, this paper highlights the potential impact of the structure of information that is made available to SME owner/managers by industry or policy bodies; further, the moderating influence of motivational goal orientation may inform policy on how information should be presented to SME owner/managers to aid their decision-making.

Covid-19 pandemic reshapes our knowledge and reconceptualises our belief in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as more flexible and resilient than bigger organisations under difficult socioeconomic conditions. The critical issue raised during the Covid-19 pandemic suggests that SMEs have confronted great challenges, which are not just concerned about SME survival, but also the paucity of strategic approach for firm revival and resilience. In dealing with the challenges, and based on a set of investigations, firstly, we provide a critically insightful review of the UK government Covid-19 responses based on four themes of UK government interventions. Secondly, we offer contextual evidence based on our analysis of SME performance, in relation to the government responding schemes and how that affects SME operations in the UK. Thirdly, we propose a framework with tentative strategic solutions based on both our theoretical reviews and the empirical analysis for how SMEs revive and become resilient.