Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Technology-Based Firms: An Exploratory Study

摘要: In recent years technology-based industries have increasingly globalized, with this change driven primarily by multinational firms. These large mature firms, which are extensively involved in global markets, provide the main conduit through important technologies integrated across nations (Korbin 1991). As competition has intensified, many small and medium-sized firms also had to adopt international perspectives (Litvak 1990). Even SMTFs whose primary orientation is domestic must be internationally competitive order secure long-term success (Wright Ricks 1994). Small usually face unique challenges arena of due their limited resources capabilities, insufficiently developed administrative procedures methods, less formal centralized planning control systems (van Hoorn 1979; Roth 1992), lack manufacturing know-how access distribution channels (Hull Slowinski SMTFs, particular, additional accelerated time-to-market product differentiation imperatives (Price Chen 1993). The importance internationalization as well prospects they regard, call for systematic research. Accordingly, overall purpose study explore some key questions pertaining SMTFs. relate motives that drive internationalize, barriers overcome achieve successful internationalization, adaptive measures implement compete successfully arena. It hoped shedding light on these at a broader level inquiry will help stimulate guide further research would preferably more atomistic but same time deeper understanding various aspects process. Conceptual Background Technology-based become years, technological innovation been significant driver (Porter 1985). Higher opportunities economic benefits exploiting them created faster rate change. Accelerated changes turn increased speed diffusion (Bettis Hitt 1995). Another contributing factor globalization trend volume generated markets no longer sufficient support levels R & D spending (Kobrin has, turn, escalated rivalry (Brahm Although initially dominated landscape, smaller entered race owing evolving conditions communication trade (The Economist Oviatt McDougall (1994) argued gap advantage between narrowed sustainable depended upon firm's assets (see Barney 1991; Hamel Prahalad changes, coupled excessive 1995), made it indispensable strategies. International forces advantages knowledge-intensive sectors so strong new ventures market from inception (Oviatt certain over larger including greater flexibility, speed, advantage-seeking behavior (Fiegenbaum Karnani Katz 1970; Hitt, Hoskisson, Harrison work particularly development entrepreneurship, tend motivation constantly seek aggressively challenge status quo (Aldrich Auster 1986; Hanbrick …