A New Insight in the SMEs Internationalization Process

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

António Lucas Soares (Author) FEUP; Eric Costa (Author) Other; Jorge Pinho de Sousa (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: RISKS AND RESILIENCE OF COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS

Pages: 398-410

16th IFIP WG 5.5 Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises (PRO-VE)

Albi, FRANCE, OCT 05-07, 2015

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-TG0

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-24141-8_36

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13