This study examined the different roles of social capital (i.e. efficacy, serendipity, and liability), network relationships, network closure and structure important to the internationalisation process of high technology International New Ventures (INVs). Although there has been a growing recognition of the role of social capital in the internationalisation process of firms, research into the three roles of social capital and their interrelation with network closure and structure is a research area that very few empirical studies exist. This study seeks to fill this gap by gaining rich insights into the internationalisation process of high technology INVs and by exploring the importance of strong and weak ties mechanism in early and later international market entries. In this study social capital is the sum of actual and potential resources that derive from network relationships. The study built on qualitative data collected from nine in-depth case studies of Greek and Scottish software INVs. The multiple semi-structure interviews were carried out in 2013 and 2014 with founders and CEOs. The material of the nine cases was used to understand and explain the internationalisation process and how social capital and network relationship influence it. The case material analysis proceeded from within case analysis to cross-case analysis in order to explore common patterns and differences across the cases. A theoretical framework based on the existing gaps was developed and tested in this research. This study contributed to the literature on International Business (IB), International Entrepreneurship (IE) and Social capital by exploring the evolution of social capital diachronically. A new type of INV was found: the niche market INV, which strategically uses its social capital to capture and exploit new opportunities in foreign markets. New insights are given to which role of social capital becomes more crucial in initial and later international market entries. This study found that the efficacy role of social capital played an important role both in initial and later stages of internationalisation. However, the serendipity role of social capital was more important for companies with many structural holes that did not have the necessary network relationships to bridge them. This study showed that Greek and Scottish entrepreneurs have different backgrounds; Greek entrepreneurs lack previous international work experience. It was found that virtual social capital in the digital era is becoming more and more important. A number of implications for management practice, policy and education are presented for developed markets firm managers and governments in the fields of IE and IB.

<p>Title: The Entrepreneurial individual-----A case study of YEStravel</p><p>Problems: How (individual) entrepreneur develops his/her international company in a short period successfully?What are the characteristics for this kind of companies?</p><p>Purpose: This research would be useful for the new individual business start-ups/ entrepreneurs as well as the researchers who are focused on the investigation of why INV grows faster than other types of business. We intend to analyze and reveal the secret behind their success. We also aim to enlarge the data base of INVs study for further research.</p><p>Method: Qualitative research, interview and story-telling</p><p>Target: Start-ups, especially entrepreneurs and students who tend to be entrepreneurs; YEStravel Company;</p><p>Conclusion: We try to analyze the secrets why small firms could grow up rapidly. With the case story of YEStravel, we found there are four variables are worthy to look into. They are entrepreneurship, social network, special products and the influences from communication and transportation. These three main factors enhanced the speed of the INV’s growth which gives an answer to our first research question. We also evaluated the characteristic of small firms which depend on the portfolio entrepreneurship as their original developing factor. They handle two or more businesses at the same time to earn the enough resources which they lack of. This conclusion represents our second research question that what are the characteristics of this kind of firm.</p>

Title: The Entrepreneurial individual-----A case study of YEStravel Problems: How (individual) entrepreneur develops his/her international company in a short period successfully?What are the characteristics for this kind of companies? Purpose: This research would be useful for the new individual business start-ups/ entrepreneurs as well as the researchers who are focused on the investigation of why INV grows faster than other types of business. We intend to analyze and reveal the secret behind their success. We also aim to enlarge the data base of INVs study for further research. Method: Qualitative research, interview and story-telling Target: Start-ups, especially entrepreneurs and students who tend to be entrepreneurs; YEStravel Company; Conclusion: We try to analyze the secrets why small firms could grow up rapidly. With the case story of YEStravel, we found there are four variables are worthy to look into. They are entrepreneurship, social network, special products and the influences from communication and transportation. These three main factors enhanced the speed of the INV’s growth which gives an answer to our first research question. We also evaluated the characteristic of small firms which depend on the portfolio entrepreneurship as their original developing factor. They handle two or more businesses at the same time to earn the enough resources which they lack of. This conclusion represents our second research question that what are the characteristics of this kind of firm.

Social entrepreneurship, defined as entrepreneurial activities with a clear mission to create social value, is gaining increased influence and importance in the economy. Through combining a for-profit mindset with social objectives, social enterprises provide groundbreaking solutions to societal needs. The global presence and impact of social enterprises raise the importance of internationalization of this specific kind of enterprise. This is an area of inquiry that has gained limited attention in academia and empirical studies have been few. The purpose of the study is to investigate motives for internationalization of social enterprises and how these enterprises establish in foreign markets. The study consists of an empirical investigation based on a survey sample of 65 respondents and one background interview. The result shows that the main motive for internationalization of social enterprises is to alleviate social problems. Social enterprises have a distinct international character, show patterns of early and rapid internationalization and can be characterized as international new ventures with a distinct social mission. Networks affect motives as well as choice of entry mode of social enterprises. The most common mode of entry of social enterprises is to establish alliances or partnerships with foreign actors and the main target market is less developed economies.

<p>This thesis focuses on the internationalization process of SMEs, the strategies and methods they use. The major aim of this research was to gain a better understanding of the process by comparing and analyzing three main internationalization process theories: the Uppsala model, network theory and international entrepreneurship theory. An essential part of this study consisted of gathering empirical data from SMEs that has already been internationalized as well as from some of those who intend to internationalize in the near future. Our findings show the application and usefulness of the three theories to these SMEs, especially their heavy reliance on network relationships. The findings also indicate that firms use a combination of variables from all three theories and some aspects of the much criticized Uppsala model are still significant in describing the internationalization process behavior of SMEs.</p>

This thesis focuses on the internationalization process of SMEs, the strategies and methods they use. The major aim of this research was to gain a better understanding of the process by comparing and analyzing three main internationalization process theories: the Uppsala model, network theory and international entrepreneurship theory. An essential part of this study consisted of gathering empirical data from SMEs that has already been internationalized as well as from some of those who intend to internationalize in the near future. Our findings show the application and usefulness of the three theories to these SMEs, especially their heavy reliance on network relationships. The findings also indicate that firms use a combination of variables from all three theories and some aspects of the much criticized Uppsala model are still significant in describing the internationalization process behavior of SMEs.

It is possible for firms to survive within declining industries. However, growth through internationalization within this stage of an industry’s life-cycle has not been sufficiently explored in the past. As SMEs supposedly face many barriers during this process, the purpose of this thesis is to research the internationalization of SMEs within declining industries, with a focus on finding what is the biggest challenge to their internationalization. A multiple-case study and semi-structured interviews were used to explore internationalization in a declining industry, the watch industry. A theoretical framework was built and compared to both the primary and the secondary data collected throughout this study. The analysis shows that finding the right distributor is the biggest challenge throughout SMEs’ internationalization. It also finds trade shows related to declining industries not to be effective promotion tools for firms from this industry. Finally, this thesis finds smartwatches not to be perceived as a threat by traditional watch brands, due to the different values associated to these products.