Motives to SME internationalisation

Abstract

Purpose This study offers a comparative analysis of attitudes to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation in two different cultural settings, Wales and Brittany. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth investigation of attitudes to internationalisation among food and drink SMEs using mixed methods and focussing on both SMEs that internationalise and those that do not. This leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues influencing attitudes to SME internationalisation, which could facilitate policy development for such companies. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods are used in this study to provide a richness of data in investigating this complex issue. The majority of research in this field has focussed on quantitative research, however, this study heeds calls for more plurality in research on SME internationalisation to achieve a more detailed understanding of the issues affecting SME internationalisation. This is achieved through an online questionnaire of 169 food producing SMEs in Wales and Brittany, informed by International Entrepreneurship theory. A second phase of semi-structured interviews provides more context to the questionnaire findings, with 37 interviews conducted with respondents from the questionnaire. Each phase was conducted independently, with findings triangulated for further investigation. Findings Companies of all characteristics have the ability to internationalise; however, cultural differences were observed between Wales and Brittany in both attitudes and the conditions for internationalisation. Breton SMEs displayed more proactivity to internationalisation, stemming from more favourable conditions, a greater reputation for food and more confidence. Conversely, Welsh SMEs were more reactive, relying on government support in encouraging internationalisation. Breton SMEs also benefitted from the strong cultural identity of food products, especially through the Produit en Bretagne brand and its network of producers. Originality/value The study makes both a theoretical and methodological contribution to research on SME internationalisation. The comparative study of Wales and Brittany is significant in understanding cultural influences to internationalisation in two regions where the food and drink industry represents an important part of the economy. The focus on a single industry is significant in understanding the particularities of internationalisation within an industrial context, as findings from studies across multiple industries are considered less generalisable. A methodological contribution is sought through using mixed methods to provide a more comprehensive study.

Factors Constraining International Growth in Nautical Tourism Firms

“…This suggests that larger companies show a more positive international performance thanks to a greater availability of resources [7,8,51,53,66]. Therefore, the size of the firm is another factor influencing the internationalisation process [67], being the smaller enterprises the ones with lower probability to export [59], a statement that has not been verified for the case of the nautical segment.…”

The Role of Network Ties on SMEs Internationalization Process in the Developing Countries Emerging Markets: A Comparison between Mongolia, China, and Malaysia

“…In this theory, the researcher emphasized that SMEs gradually internationalize via many stages using two different approaches instead of becoming a full player from the beginning (Lis et al, 2012). International activities, such as exports, are a means which generates growth for small businesses, make value, and acquire new knowledge and technologies from abroad (Bowen, 2019). The first approach is the four stages of the foreign entry process starting from no constant export activity to export their products with the help of independent representative or agents, after then to establish their own sales subsidiaries, in the final stage, the firm begins to produce or manufacture their products in the new market.…”

“…The second approach is slightly different from the first approach by choosing entry mode as a new geographical area, which is the less psychic distant market regarding language, education, business practices, culture, and industrial development. This approach recommends that firms enter a new market adjacent to and identical to the home country before spreading to more remote and dissimilar markets (Senik et al, 2010;Costa et al, 2017;Bowen, 2019). The Uppsala model notices the internationalization process as the incremental and gradual pattern that firms enter a new market first, which can be either a distant physical market or a less physical distant market and acquire experience and later expand their activities through establishing their subsidiaries, joint ventures, and acquisitions (Abdullah and Zain, 2011;Lis et al, 2012;Solongo, 2016).…”

“…The main focal point of the INVs model is age, and it proposes the INVs to gain significant comparative advantages from the beginning of establishment by utilizing their resources and the sale of products in several different markets (Senik et al, 2010;Lin et al, 2016;Ahimbisibwe et al, 2020). BG/INVs skip stages of incremental internationalization when doing business and are involved in the international activities within the first year of establishment or a few years from inception (Senik et al, 2010;Bowen, 2019). Abdullah and Zain (2011) argue that there are no single exact periods, which is determined the starting date of their international operations and earning profit for Born Global/ INVs.…”

internacionalización de la pequeña y mediana industria del software y de las tecnologías informáticas (SW & TI) a través del efecto trampolín del gremio

“…Como segunda opción, prefieren información sobre barreras a la exportación, las Pymes tradicionalmente se cohíben al percibir barreras u obstáculos, algunas no se sienten capaces de superarlas, y es a través de organismos públicos y/o privados, mediante planes de ayuda que se logra superarles con los planes de ayuda (Bowen, 2019). Y en tercera opción, en concreto la que se refiere a planes de ayuda a la exportación.…”