A new insight in the SMEs internationalization process

Eric Costa, António Lucas Soares, Jorge Pinho De Sousa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Published conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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Abstract

There is growing evidence that internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has become a priority to gain competitive advantage. However, SMEs still face major challenges and obstacles during these processes. This paper proposes a model of collaborative networks for internationalization processes of SMEs, mediated by industrial enterprise associations (IEAs), in order to improve decision-making processes. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to study the impact that networks and collaboration have in the decision-making process of internationalization. Then, the model was developed using adequate information and knowledge management tools. Finally, to understand the relevance of the proposed model, data were gathered through interviews to key persons in companies of the IT/electronics and textile industries. Results showed that collaborative networks can represent an important facilitator in the internationalization of SMEs and that IEAs can have a fundamental role for promoting collaboration in this domain, between associated SMEs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRisks and Resilience of Collaborative Networks
EditorsLuis Camarinha-Matos, Frédérick Bénaben, Willy Picard
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer International Publishing AG
Pages398-410
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9783319241401
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event16th IFIP WG 5.5 Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises - Albi, France
Duration: 5 Oct 20157 Oct 2015

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
PublisherSpringer
Volume463
ISSN (Print)1868-4238
ISSN (Electronic)1868-422X

Conference

Conference16th IFIP WG 5.5 Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises
Abbreviated titlePRO-VE 2015
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityAlbi
Period5/10/157/10/15

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