This book, on the important subject of internationalization and entrepreneurship with the concentration on the smaller firm, is a standout in a field that has many excellent offerings. . . This book is well organized, substantive, and highly readable. Recommended. C.J. Talele, Choice This forward-looking volume contains state-of-the-art analysis of the current research themes and challenges influencing the internationalization of SMEs. The editors have brought together perspectives from both academics and practitioners, who in turn use theoretical and empirical studies to identify gaps in research evidence, present case studies of internationalizing SMEs, and illustrate potential for future research. The book features some of the best known researchers in the field of international entrepreneurship, and combines a range of theoretical perspectives including network and social capital, internationalization process, and international new venture frameworks as well as knowledge, learning and absorptive capacity paradigms. This timely study will appeal strongly to academics, researchers and students focusing on business and management, international business, entrepreneurship and international marketing. It will also provide important insights for international entrepreneurs and policy-makers.

Drawing on empirical case-study research carried out in the Bangalore software industry, this book explores the role of network relationships in the internationalization of small knowledge-intensive firms.Using a conceptual framework, it looks at a range of key themes. These include:networksknowledgetechnology.Highlighting the propensity of small k

This volume provides important benchmarks for the integration of entrepreneurship and international business. It extends scholarship beyond the firm as single unit of analysis, instead including the role of the founder/entrepreneur. Exploration of this domain discusses possibilities for theory revision or development as well as providing information about an under-researched segment of companies.

'The processes of internationalization, innovation and venture-creation in high-technology new ventures are inextricably intertwined. This is particularly true in the uncertain and troubled waters of the life sciences industry where startups with very uncertain futures are required to face significant challenges in short windows of opportunity. Navigating these waters is not straightforward, either for those immediately involved in it, or for those trying to understand it. This book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about understanding entrepreneurship in the biotechnology industry.' Alberto Onetti, CrESIT (Research Center for Innovation and Life Science Management), Italy In this thought-provoking book, leading experts explore why international entrepreneurship is important to the life sciences industry. From multi-disciplinary and cross-national perspectives, they question why international entrepreneurship scholars might usefully invest interest in research focused on one specific industry context. The book addresses contemporary challenges of relevance to life science firms and draws on leading-edge debates in international entrepreneurship research. Topics include: the nature of the born-global firm; the development of international capabilities and competencies; the role of local and international partnerships and alliances; competitiveness, opportunity recognition and orientation; and the role of specialized complementary assets in internationalization. It concludes by proposing an agenda for future research across the underpinning fields of innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalization. This book will prove a stimulating read for academics, students and researchers with an interest in international business, management and entrepreneurship, as well as for practitioners in the health professions or life sciences academics who are, or may become, entrepreneurs.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of international growth of SMEs from diverse points of view. It verifies that SMEs in all parts of the globe share similar characteristics, yet differ significantly. New explanations for this emerge, and although seminal concepts still remain powerful, their proper use requires new interpretations.

With growing international business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been faced with increased competition, but also with enhanced opportunities. Edith Olejnik addresses four major issues within the context of SMEs’ internationalization process: First, she identifies the three different internationalization patterns that SMEs take and analyzes how these patterns develop over time. Second, she looks at dynamic changes of foreign operation modes and the managerial reasons for these changes. Third, she derives an empirical classification of smaller family firms and profiles them using a comprehensive set of organizational variables. Fourth, she investigates the relationship between firm-level processes and dynamic capabilities in driving the international performance of SMEs. Based on theoretical considerations and empirical analyses this work provides important implications for research and management practice.

The domain of international entrepreneurship has continued to gain momentum in an era that sees entrepreneurship and globalization as critical issues in the world of business. Given the flourish of new research in this area, there is a need to provide an up-to-date perspective on the field and its future. This volume draws together a team of experts purposely selected from both the entrepreneurship and international business fields to present a comprehensive resource on the cutting-edge conversations within international entrepreneurship. This prestigious reference book will offer students and researchers an introduction to leading scholarship in international entrepreneurship and also serve as a catapult for future research.

This book is an important contribution to the field of international entrepreneurship. . . it provides a comprehensive account of internationalization strategies adopted by SMEs in a wide range of European countries, and by drawing on a number of empirical studies, it enriches the theory of SME internationalization with a new theoretical framework that can be useful for understanding the complexity of SME internationalization processes in Europe. Julia Korosteleva, Thunderbird International Business Review From Andorra to Wales with stops in more than 35 other European countries along the way, this comprehensive collection of articles is required reading for scholars interested in international entrepreneurship. It provides information on how entrepreneurs and their firms go international from virtually every country in Europe. This unique volume permits researchers to compare how the process of entrepreneurial internationalization is affected by differences in culture, location, technology, and other influences within Europe. Furthermore, the various authors consider a range of theoretically important issues, such as cooperation and trust, venture capital, research and development, learning, networks, and government policy. This book serves as an essential departure point from which scholars can embark on their study of international entrepreneurship in Europe. Benjamin M. Oviatt, Georgia State University, US This is a timely and interesting book that brings together some of the most insightful contributions on the internationalization of new ventures, with an emphasis on the European experiences. Assembling some of the best scholars, the book offers a distinctively European perspective one that deserves recognition, analysis, and discussion. I applaud the editors for doing such a masterful job in bringing a great group of researchers and ideas together. I highly recommend this book for any serious researcher and scholar. Shaker A. Zahra, University of Minnesota, US This remarkable book provides valuable contributions on how the process of SMEs internationalization is operating in 37 different European countries. Researchers in international entrepreneurship will find new materials for theorization. Numerous facets of international business are carefully documented by a great many well-known scholars. Also, given the variety of situations typical of the European small business sector, the book may prove to be helpful to small-scale entrepreneurs wishing to take steps towards internationalization. Overall, this coordinate work makes you realize why Europe is so fascinating. Jean-Jacques Obrecht, University Robert Schuman, Strasbourg, France This unique comparative study of the internationalization of small firms is a milestone in international business research. It compares the internationalization strategies of fast-growing firms across nearly forty different European countries. It shows that the growth trajectories of firms reflect the investing country s geographical location, natural resource endowments, legal and financial institutions and local culture. There are many important new insights to be gained from a careful study of this important new research resource. Mark Casson, University of Reading, UK This unique Handbook illustrates how entrepreneurs across Europe tackle internationalization. This timely and important book identifies patterns and builds a theory of international entrepreneurship in Europe. The contributors discuss the performances of SMEs on the road to internationalization. Each chapter emphasizes how the process of internationalization of SMEs operates, the challenges and opportunities that arise due to each country s specific political and economic situation, and their subsequent internationalization performance. These processes, challenges and performances can be understood through theories of international business and entrepreneurship. Although at times these theories cannot fully

Drawing on empirical case-study research carried out in the Bangalore software industry, this book explores the role of network relationships in the internationalization of small knowledge-intensive firms. Using a conceptual framework, it looks at a range of key themes. These include: networks knowledge technology. Highlighting the propensity of small knowledge-intensive firms to develop and leverage network relationships and thereby, the resourcefulness with which entrepreneurial firms can (and do) internationalize, this book is essential reading for academics and students with an interest in the intersection between international business and entrepreneurship.

The drivers of globalization are removing the barriers that segregated the competitive space of the small and large firms in the past. It is becoming increasingly difficult for independent small firms to thrive in their traditional markets unless they are globally competitive. Managing an enterprise's commercial, industrial and political relations well, regardless of size and location, is the essence of the entrepreneurial challenge in this competitive arena. Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) often face very different issues than large multinational enterprises do when confronting internationalization. This volume provides an in-depth discussion of these challenges. The contributors to this volume explore the emerging patterns of SME growth and international expansion in response to the evolving competitive environment, dynamics of competitive behavior, entrepreneurial processes and formulation of strategy. They examine the basis and requirements of growth and expansion from three perspectives: the rapidly-changing environment in which business is conducted, entrepreneurial characteristics, and the evolving strategic and competitive response to this changing business environment. Business leaders, scholars and students interested in international business and entrepreneurship will welcome this volume.