Internationalisation of Family SMEs

Abstract

The global business landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gaining prominence. Among them, family-owned SMEs uniquely blend familial ties with entrepreneurship, playing a pivotal role in the international market. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1,355 scholarly articles within the Scopus database, revealing nine thematic clusters related to the internationalization of family SMEs. Key areas include SMEs, family business, family firms, small and medium sized enterprises, and innovation. The analysis highlights a growing scholarly interest in this field, with the Family Business Review originating from the United States, indexed Q1, emerging as a significant contributor. The insights not only contribute to academic discourse but also offer guidance for practitioners and policymakers aiming to support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of family SMEs globally. This study lays a foundation for future research, directing scholars towards unexplored areas in the dynamic realm of family SME internationalization.