A partir das narrativas escritas por carnavalescos, o carnaval ganha forma pelas mãos de ferreiros, marceneiros, costureiras, bordadeiras e artesãos. Das favelas para o mundo, as escolas de samba do Rio de Janeiro se organizaram e, juntas, conquistaram respeito e prestígio que se materializaram por meio da construção de um Sambódromo, da Cidade do Samba, dentre outras. Realizou-se estudo de casos de natureza exploratória em que se utilizou fonte de dados primários e secundários, visando verificar as características do sistema de controle gerencial e o processo de internacionalização das escolas de samba. A questão geral é: Os sistemas de controle gerenciais das escolas de samba da cidade do Rio de Janeiro são influenciados pelo fenômeno da internacionalização? Os achados da pesquisa mostram que não, da mesma forma que alguns pesquisadores já observaram que existem circunstâncias em que o processo de internacionalização não implica, necessariamente, em grande complexidade e sofisticação do sistema de controle de gestão. / As from narratives writings, the carnival earns form for the hands of blacksmiths, cabinetmakers, dressmakers and craftsmen. Of the "favelas" for the world, the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro self-organized and, together, conquered respect and prestige that if materialized for half of the construction of the one "Sambódromo", and a City of Samba, out of other. A study was carried out in cases of exploratory nature of using source of primary and secondary data, in order to verify the characteristics of the system of management control and the process of internationalization of the samba schools. The general question is: The management control systems of the samba schools in Rio de Janeiro are influenced by the phenomenon of internationalization? The findings of the survey show that no, the same way that some researchers have observed that there are circumstances in which the process of internationalization does not necessarily implies in great complexity and sophistication of the management control system.

Submitted by Estagiário SPT BMHS (spt@fgv.br) on 2013-08-08T14:03:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Joaquim Brasileiro_2009.pdf: 2936365 bytes, checksum: ee94e64edd96faf9f9c0d116839e24ad (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Estagiário SPT BMHS (spt@fgv.br) on 2013-08-08T14:03:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Joaquim Brasileiro_2009.pdf: 2936365 bytes, checksum: ee94e64edd96faf9f9c0d116839e24ad (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Estagiário SPT BMHS (spt@fgv.br) on 2013-08-08T14:04:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Joaquim Brasileiro_2009.pdf: 2936365 bytes, checksum: ee94e64edd96faf9f9c0d116839e24ad (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-08T14:04:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Joaquim Brasileiro_2009.pdf: 2936365 bytes, checksum: ee94e64edd96faf9f9c0d116839e24ad (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / A presente pesquisa possui um enfoque no processo de internacionalização das empresas brasileiras, um fenômeno que vem ocorrendo de forma lenta e gradual ao longo dos últimos 25 anos, com grande ênfase nos anos 1990, quando o Brasil abriu sua economia ao capital externo, proporcionando maiores investimentos em novos produtos, novas tecnologias, e a adoção por parte das nossas organizações de novas formas e práticas de gestão empresarial, as quais já faziam parte há um bom tempo das organizações multinacionais pelo mundo afora, que sempre utilizaram essas melhores formas de gestão empresarial em seu estado da arte. Este atraso do Brasil em relação ao mundo desenvolvido, em que o País se fechou como uma verdadeira 'ostra', refletiu-se em prejuízos imensuráveis ao desenvolvimento social, político e econômico, resultando em atrasos tecnológicos e educacionais e na consequente falta de pessoal qualificado em face de um mundo globalizado, no qual se mostram imprescindíveis as inovações tecnológicas e a capacitação humana. Nesse contexto, o processo de internacionalização de empresas, especificamente o segmento do cooperativismo de agronegócio no estado do Paraná, ganha um impulso significativo, quando as cooperativas, a partir da década de 1980, buscam sua inserção internacional no mundo globalizado através de um aumento gradativo em suas exportações, inicialmente somente com produtos in natura e, posteriormente, com a introdução de novas tecnologias, equipamentos, pesquisas, modernas formas de gestão e educação continuada de pessoal, possibilitando às cooperativas, e de forma geral ao setor cooperativista paranaense, um grande salto financeiro e um aumento expressivo na composição do PIB do Paraná, representando nos dias atuais aproximadamente 40% do total das exportações do estado. Dessa forma, este trabalho procura contribuir com a academia e com as organizações cooperativistas do estado do Paraná no sentido de buscar as razões para esse importante e irreversível processo de internacionalização, que trouxe, e ainda traz, vantagens financeiras, tecnológicas e dinamismo à economia local com os seus diversos atores, e que transforma essas organizações paranaenses e brasileiras em grandes players globais nos negócios internacionais. / The present research focuses on the Brazilian company internationalization process that has stated twenty five years ago and continues up to the present. The research highlights the 1990s when Brazil opened its economy to foreign investments thus bringing about new technologies, products and managerial practices that had already been optimized by foreign organizations. The Brazilian delay in catching up with the developed world latest progress caused immeasurable damages to social, political and economic development. As a consequence, Brazil experienced technological and educational slowdown, and lack of qualified labor to face a globalized world where technological innovations and human qualification are crucial to development. In the aforementioned context, the State of Paraná agribusiness cooperatives improved significantly from 1980 on, when they sought insertion into a globalized world through increasing their exportation gradually. At first, Paraná only exported in natura products. Later on, the inclusion of new technologies, equipment, researches, management systems and personnel continuing education provided a huge financial increase in the Paraná cooperative sector, as well as an expressive increase in its GDP that represents 40% of he State total exports. So, the present work seeks to bring a positive contribution to the theme discussion and to the State of Paraná cooperative organizations in order to understand this important and irreversible internationalization process, which brought about, and continues bringing, financial and technological advantages and dynamism to our local economy transforming the Paraná and Brazilian organizations into big global players acting in international business.

The literature on export management and export behaviors conventionally analyze export as a general mode without distinguishing different options of choice. In the process of internationalization, small firms build up unique perceptions and pursuits of their international opportunities. Within different levels of internationalization, exporting firms also develop a different approach to the exploitation of capabilities and resources. The lack of resources and capabilities of small and medium enterprises is among the major obstacles for their internationalization. This research explores how firms develop capabilities and utilize external resources during their internationalization process. The study aims to answer the two main questions: What are the patterns of capabilities and resources utilization in SMEs export mode choices? How do these patterns explain the differentials in the export mode choices? Two phases of empirical investigation have been conducted, focusing on explaining the differentials of capabilities and network resources in different mode choices of export engagement. By applying a mixed method, the study ensures validity by using multiple sources of data. In the exploratory phase, three different groups of SMEs are investigated, including non-regular exporters, indirect exporters using independent agents, and regular direct exporters. The preliminary research phase examines essential patterns of dynamic capabilities and network resources that enable SMEs in different export modes. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior business managers, coming to the aid of drawing the research model and building up reliable constructs. In the findings, the thematic content analysis technique was used to generate important patterns and themes with the presence of quotes and evidence from the respondents. The analysis was in conjunction with the literature review with the aim of drafting the questionnaire survey. The confirmatory phase specifies insights and differences in the direct and indirect export mode choice. Outcomes from the non-parametric test show that direct exporters have a significantly greater endowment of dynamic capabilities and network resources than indirect exporters. This explicit evaluation of dynamic capabilities and network resources support firm decisions to choose between direct and indirect export mode or the combination of both. The results enrich the contextual understanding of the differentials in mode choices of export engagement, thus, contributing to the export management literature an empirical input of the SMEs participation in the global trade. The findings corroborate that researchers should not generalize SMEs internationalization export mode as a whole, given the significant differences between direct and indirect exporters. Understanding different mode choices of export, especially in their development of dynamic capabilities and utilization of network resources can help firms improve performance on their export journey. In the specific context of this study, it is strategically for small manufacturing exporters to select the appropriate entry mode. As overcome resource scarcity is vital for firms to succeed in coping with business risks and uncertainties in accessing foreign markets. Last but not least, the study also suggests some directions for future research in the internationalization process of small and medium enterprises.:TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Research background 1 1.2 Research question 6 1.3 Structure of the thesis 8 2 VIETNAMESE ECONOMY AND THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY 11 2.1 Vietnam economic outlook 11 2.2 Description of manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam 13 2.2.1 SMEs definition 13 2.2.2 SMEs in manufacturing sector 14 2.2.3 Development characteristics during 2006-2015 16 2.3 International trade and export status of Vietnamese manufacturing SMEs 18 2.4 Vietnam government support policies to SMEs 23 2.5 Remaining challenges 25 3 LITERATURE REVIEW 32 3.1 Internationalization theories 32 3.1.1 The network theory 35 3.1.2 The transaction cost theory 36 3.1.3 The eclectic paradigm 37 3.1.4 The resource-based view 37 3.2 The internationalization process of SMEs 39 3.2.1 The Uppsala models (U-model) 39 3.2.2 The Innovation-related internationalization models (I-models) 42 3.2.3 The born-global phenomenon 44 3.3 International market expansion strategy and entry modes 46 3.3.1 International market expansion strategy 46 3.3.2 International market entry modes 47 3.3.3 Foreign market entry decisions 55 3.4 Proposed research model for further research on firm internationalization 56 3.4.1 Capabilities and resources as drivers of export 58 3.4.2 SMEs mode choice of export engagement 68 4 RESEARCH METHODS 73 4.1 Research strategy 73 4.1.1 Design rationale 74 4.1.2 Research process 78 4.2 Phase I: Qualitative research approach 80 4.2.1 Qualitative research design 80 4.2.2 Subject identification and sample 82 4.2.3 Instruments and interviews 82 4.2.4 Data analysis 86 4.3 Phase II: Quantitative research approach 88 4.3.1 Quantitative research design 88 4.3.2 Data preparation 90 4.3.3 Pre-testing 91 4.3.4 Survey instruments 92 4.3.5 Questionnaire design 95 4.3.6 Exploratory factor analysis 100 4.3.7 Reliability and validity test 108 4.3.8 Data analysis 111 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 112 5.1 Results of Phase I 112 5.1.1 Code structure 112 5.1.2 Motivation to export 116 5.1.3 Frequencies of codes 119 5.1.4 Capabilities and Resources utilization in First-time export 123 5.1.5 Current Status of Capabilities and Resources utilization 133 5.1.6 Future importance of Capabilities and Resources utilization 142 5.1.7 Code relations 150 5.1.8 Most important patterns 150 5.1.9 Summary of Qualitative research results 153 5.2 Results of Phase II 165 5.2.1 Respondent profile 165 5.2.2 Results of the descriptive analyses 168 5.2.3 Results of the non-parametric tests 176 5.2.4 Summary of Quantitative research results 188 6 CONCLUSION 211 6.1 Implications for firms 214 6.2 Implications for policymakers 216 6.3 Limitations and direction for future research 217 REFERENCES 220 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Interview Guide for the Semi-structured Interview 242 Appendix 2. Survey in English version 243 Appendix 3. Code Hierarchy 247 Appendix 4. Zusammenfassung 250 Appendix 5. Lebenslauf 257 Appendix 6. Erklärung 260

The process of internationalization may be more difficult for emerging markets' artificial intelligence startups (AI startups) due to several challenges. These challenges include weak institutions, limited financial support, political instability, lack of adequate local infrastructure. Significantly less research has being done on entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially in emerging markets. Therefore, this study aims to address the current state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, in emerging markets and AI startups internationalization process. As a result, the study focuses on the challenges faced by AI startup within the Nigerian and South African entrepreneurial ecosystem, to address how the entrepreneurial ecosystem affects AI startups internationalisation process. To answer the research question, qualitative research was carried out using semi structure interviews with different case companies from South Africa and Nigeria. Although these countries are similar in nature, AI startups face various internal challenges in terms of government policies, institutions, and infrastructure. Based on the findings, it was noticed that there is a relationship between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growth and survival of AI startups. The elements of an Entrepreneurial ecosystem (social, cultural, and material elements) also influence the internationalisation of AI startups within an entrepreneurial ecosystem space. Entrepreneurial ecosystem challenges were identified which discourages or hinder the growth of AI startups within the Nigerian and South African markets. In conclusion, we noticed that African AI startups prefer to practice their business model in the home markets and flourish their confidence levels before seeking internationalization opportunities. Most of the case AI startups prefer to start internationalization from close psychic market before going distance international markets. However, these AI startups adopt network relationship approach through key business partners for international expansion.

The subject of internationalization of Born Global small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that start cross-border business operations shortly after the company’s foundation has received growing scholarly attention in the last decades. Although the research of the influence of the market knowledge - information a firm has about a specific foreign market, on internationalization decisions was developing rapidly to account for the challenges of the established internationalization theories, multi-factor comprehensive analysis of the influence of all the interlinked factors of the market knowledge remains overlooked by research. Therefore, the main purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the impact of foreign market knowledge on the decisions of business-to-business (B2B) Born Global SMEs regarding when, where to, and how to internationalize, and concerning the ways of operating in the foreign market(s). To fulfill the purpose of the paper, the authors carried out a qualitative multiple case study with six Born Global SMEs working in the deep tech industry which has started international operations up to one year after the establishment. Fieldwork consisted of 14 virtual interviews with the Marketing Managers and Founders of the firms. The results of this study show that the process through which the studied B2B Born Global SMEs internationalize is very similar among all companies: it starts between a few weeks up to one year after the inception of the company, and it follows a typical progressive process (first, the firms have one of their employees or external representatives physically going to the foreign market of interest; then establish the partnerships with local companies; later appoint a local representative to the market, and lastly establish a subsidiary company). Next, the research illustrates that the studied Born Global SMEs acquire foreign market knowledge from external parties by the method of grafting. Furthermore, the study also concluded that there are three groups of factors of the foreign market, which are categorized based on the firms’ perception of the factors’ influence on decisions of B2B Born Global SMEs about when, where to, and how to internationalize. These groups are: important (economic opportunities, networks, political context), disregarded (language, culture, and legal regulations) and overlooked (political context, legal regulations, and language) factors. Lastly, such foreign market knowledge factors were found to influence the decisions of B2B Born Global SMEs’ about ways of operations in the foreign market(s): political situation, economic opportunities, and legal regulation impact the companies’ decisions about operations in the foreign market(s).

Les villes frontalières thaïlandaises et leurs doublets urbains laotiens sont engagés depuis les années 1990 dans un processus d’internationalisation. Ce dernier, lié à l’intégration transnationale promue par la coopération régionale, se caractérise notamment par l’augmentation du nombre d’acteurs internationaux qui conjuguent, à l’échelle urbaine, leurs stratégies à celles des autorités centrales et locales. Dans ce contexte de régionalisation de la mondialisation, ces petites villes, jusqu’alors à l’écart des flux en raison de leur position périphérique par rapport aux têtes de réseaux, se voient dotées de fonctions inédites en support de l’intégration régionale. Leur organisation spatiale se trouve ainsi reconfigurée avec l’apparition de nouvelles formes internationalisées, comme les infrastructures de transport transfrontalières ou les zones économiques en tête de pont. L’étude à l’échelle urbaine montre cependant que ces formes varient de part et d’autre du Mékong en raison de contextes nationaux et de stratégies d’acteurs différenciés. De la même manière, les interactions à l’échelle des doublons urbains chevauchant la frontière internationale et situés sur les corridors économiques de la Région du Grand Mékong diffèrent, créant des configurations allant de la juxtaposition de villes à l’émergence de systèmes urbains transnationaux. Ces villes frontalières représentent donc à la fois une échelle d’analyse privilégiée pour l’étude des dynamiques contemporaines de la régionalisation affectant, à différents degrés et selon des rythmes variables, les villes d’Asie du Sud-Est, mais aussi un outil des gouvernements pour renforcer l’intégration nationale et régionale. / The implementation of regional cooperation frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in the 1990s is likely to give more functions to cities located near or on the international borders. Under this economic and institutional context, Thai bordertowns, which are third-rank cities, and their counterparts in Laos, are transformed by an internationalization process, characterized by rising cross-border flows, the empowerment of transnational stakeholders, the emergence of unprecedented urban functions and the creation of new internationalized forms (such as cross-border transport infrastructures or special economic zones). Spatial organization at the urban scale suggests however that these dynamics differ on each side of the border, resulting from diverse national backgrounds and actors’ strategies. Furthermore, the various types of interactions between the so-called “twin cities”, located on the Mekong border and on economic corridors under the GMS cooperation framework, produce different scales of integration, from cross-border to emerging transnational urban systems. Studying these cities represents a way of understanding the ongoing process of regionalization in South-East Asia and shows that the latter is not only affecting first-rank metropolis, but second or third-rank cities as well. These bordertowns’ internationalization raises thus strategic issues for governments and local authorities and represents a strategic tool for national and regional integration control.

The high economic growth of formerly closed markets such as China, Russia, Poland, and the Baltic states has created vast business and growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although this international business expansion of SMEs occurs in highly dissimilar business contexts and fierce international competition, it remains overlooked by research. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis is to contribute to an enhanced understanding of internationalization processes of SMEs by studying the overarching research question: What are the main features of internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context? Three sub-problems are researched with regard to SMEs entering and taking off from emerging markets, as well as differences and similarities between these processes, in order to identify what features characterize them. Empirically, two surveys of 116 and 203 Swedish SMEs, respectively, with experiences of entry into emerging markets were conducted through standardized questionnaires via mail and on-site visits. In addition, case studies were conducted through interviews and observations of five internationalizing Chinese SMEs and four Chinese wholesale and retail market platforms. Five essays are compiled within the thesis and major findings and conclusions provide theoretical and empirical contributions to research on the internationalization processes of SMEs. With regard to the overlooked internationally experienced manufacturing SMEs from mature markets such as Sweden, theoretical advancements are made identifying the main concepts of their entry into emerging markets: entry node (the establishment point into the foreign business network); market-specific experiential knowledge; and perceived institutional distance. With regard to the internationally novel Chinese SMEs, these were seen to diverge from traditional internationalization paths. Indications were found of a parallel expansion abroad and at home, even using foreign markets as a springboard for further growth at home. The take-off node concerns the departure from an emerging home market, where a paradox of knowledge was found: the use of indirect export via a domestic intermediary facilitates the take off, but hinders further international expansion since no international experience or relationships are built up. Moreover, institutional distance was reduced due to collective internationalization through co-locating abroad. Generally, degree of maturity of the home market; as well as degree of internationalization and type of firm; are the main features behind differences between internationalization processes of SMEs in an emerging market context.

Submitted by Gabriel Segalis (gabisegalis@hotmail.com) on 2012-05-18T16:20:48Z No. of bitstreams: 2 012005011 Pretextual definitivo A.pdf: 76824 bytes, checksum: 1e41b140606a3d5a9651f1f8c1be26c1 (MD5) 012005012 Definitiva.pdf: 1124168 bytes, checksum: 524d55075e6250a88b96422d9fb4d3a6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2012-05-18T18:09:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 012005011 Pretextual definitivo A.pdf: 76824 bytes, checksum: 1e41b140606a3d5a9651f1f8c1be26c1 (MD5) 012005012 Definitiva.pdf: 1124168 bytes, checksum: 524d55075e6250a88b96422d9fb4d3a6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcia Bacha (marcia.bacha@fgv.br) on 2012-05-21T21:07:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 012005011 Pretextual definitivo A.pdf: 76824 bytes, checksum: 1e41b140606a3d5a9651f1f8c1be26c1 (MD5) 012005012 Definitiva.pdf: 1124168 bytes, checksum: 524d55075e6250a88b96422d9fb4d3a6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-05-21T21:07:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 012005011 Pretextual definitivo A.pdf: 76824 bytes, checksum: 1e41b140606a3d5a9651f1f8c1be26c1 (MD5) 012005012 Definitiva.pdf: 1124168 bytes, checksum: 524d55075e6250a88b96422d9fb4d3a6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-27 / This essay aims to verify how the activities developed by Pipeway Engenharia Limitada2 - a service supplier on the oil, gas and energy sector/industry – match the theoretical concepts of the New International Venture Paradigm – NIV (RENNIE,1993; MCDOUGALL et. Al.,1994), during its process of internationalization. The approach assumes significative relevance to the author, since the comprehension of the internationalization process on the Company, which is considered a small business, allows their professional activities to be developed with better comprehension of needs, demands and solutions required for the /small businesses’/company’s internationalization. In order to achieve that purpose, the author has made use of a Single Case Study. This choice may be defined by two reasons: Firstly, it is worth pointing out that , in Brazil, there is not a significant quantity of companies which have similar characteristics with the studied company; Secondly, this method is usually applied when it comes to solving questions such as 'how' and 'why', that is, when the aim is to comprehend individual phenomena. Moreover, it has been necessary to develop a brief study - based on documental and bibliographic analysis – not only to understand the supplier industry evolution on the international market, but also to determine the development and importance of this case as a business development affluence, innovation and support factor.Considering that the analyzed company’s main field is the oil and gas sector, a study based on a national and international scope has been made in order to comprehend this economic sector. Also, apart from other international segments, companies which develop their activities in this area usually face opened and globalized markets, and these characteristics impact significantly on Pipeway. The junction of the first and second analysis has allowed the evaluation of not only the competitive degree, but also other refferences that a company has to follow so as to be considered a New International Venture. Later on – based on case study methodological precepts, data obtained by research and information from interviews with the company´s senior management- a historiographical report of the company´s internationalization process has been elaborated. This work has emphasized events and facts which allow us to prove the adherence or not to the NIV paradigm´s assumptions. Hence, the author has investigated the company´s international evolution according to analysis criteria, which are directly related to NIV paradigm.Actually, this study allowed the statement bound to the conclusion in an empirical manner that Pipeway´s internationalization process responds to NIV´s paradigm in a complete way. One example that may be pointed out is the beginning of internationalization and proven relation between trade income and total revenue. Additionally, some suggestion have been presented for the sake of future research development, enhancement of government programs which support the internationalization process of Small Businesses , as well the author´s professional performance. / O objetivo desta dissertação é verificar a aderência de atividades desenvolvidas por uma empresa prestadora de serviços de base tecnológica, atuante na área de petróleo, gás e energia, a Pipeway Engenharia Limitada , aos conceitos teóricos do Paradigma Novas Empresas Internacionais - NEI (RENNIE,1993; MCDOUGALL et. Al., 1994) durante seu processo de internacionalização. Trata-se de um estudo que assume, para o autor, uma relevância significativa, já que a compreensão do processo de internacionalização da empresa analisada, considerada de porte pequeno, permitirá que suas atividades profissionais venham a ser desenvolvidas com melhor compreensão das necessidades, exigências e soluções que esse tipo de empresa requer para a sua internacionalização. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, a metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso único em função, assim definido, por um lado, pelo fato de não existir no Brasil uma quantidade importante de empresas com características semelhantes à estudada e, por outro, por ser um método que se aplica, quando se deseja ter respostas a questões, tais como: 'como' e 'por que', permitindo a compreensão de fenômenos individuais. Para compreender melhor a evolução do setor de serviços nos mercados internacionais foi necessário fazer um estudo sucinto, baseado em análises documental e bibliográfica, para determinar a evolução e importância do mesmo como fator gerador de riqueza, inovação e sustentação do desenvolvimento empresarial. Considerando que a empresa analisada foca seu trabalho no segmento de petróleo e gás, para melhor compreensão desse segmento econômico, foi realizada análise tanto de âmbito nacional como internacional, de sua atual conformação e situação, pois, diferentemente de outros segmentos internacionais, as empresas que neles desenvolvem suas atividades se deparam com mercados mais abertos e globalizados e essas características têm impacto significativo na empresa analisada. A junção da primeira com a segunda análise permitiu avaliar o grau de competitividade e demais parâmetros a que a empresa estudada teve que atender para ser considerada ou não um Novo Empreendimento Internacional. Posteriormente, com os preceitos metodológicos de estudo de caso, acrescidos dos dados obtidos na pesquisa documental e entrevistas com a alta gerência da empresa, foi efetuado um relato historiográfico da evolução do processo de internacionalização da empresa, destacando os eventos e fatos que possibilitaram verificar a aderência, ou não, aos pressupostos do paradigma NEI. Por fim, foi investigada a evolução internacional da empresa à luz dos critérios de análise, diretamente relacionados com princípios do Paradigma NEI, o que permitiu no capitulo seguinte, vinculado às conclusões em forma empírica, que o processo de internacionalização da Pipeway responde na sua totalidade às características do Paradigma NEI. Um exemplo é a data de início da internacionalização e relação entre as receitas de exportação e faturamento total. Também são apresentadas sugestões para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas futuras, aprimoramento dos programas governamentais de apoio ao processo de internacionalização de Pequenas Empresas e desempenho profissional do autor da dissertação.

There has been prior research on the internationalization process of retail firms. However, most of the research has investigated the developed countries' markets. There has been little research on the internationalization process of retail firms, especially in the emerging Asian markets. The emerging Asian markets are different from developed markets. Therefore, internationalization challenges and hindrances are dissimilar in this region than in developed countries' markets. Previously, there have been numerous researches on IKEA and other Swedish retail firms on the internationalization process. However, most of the research study has been done on its movement to developed markets. There has been little research done on IKEA's internationalization into emerging Asian markets. There are different challenges faced by firms, when entering into the emerging Asian market and during the business in these markets. However, the emerging Asian markets are different from other continents, especially the Western and developed markets. This research study aims to fill the existing knowledge gap by exploring the challenges that IKEA faces in emerging Asian markets. In addition to this, by the research, we seek to develop our understanding of the challenges faced by Swedish retail firms while entering emerging Asian markets. Furthermore, by exploring the challenges that retail firms face in the emerging Asian markets, we also aim to provide possible solutions on how IKEA and other retail firms can resolve or tackle the issues they face in emerging Asian markets.

Digital competence used to be a confusing concept, until recently when some researchers coined a comprehensive definition of digital competence and formulated a conceptual framework in an SME context. However, the framework was only at a conceptual level and required to be tested with the empirics of a qualitative or quantitative study. By an abductive qualitative approach, this research explored existing theories on digital competence and formulated a new digital competence framework in Swedish manufacturing SME perspective. Moreover, with cross-sectional study design, this research explored the role of digital competence in the internationalization process of six Swedish manufacturing firms, which is unprecedented in academic literature. Our findings indicate that digital competence is an evolving concept which develops gradually with technological advancements and requires a combination of three integral components: i) Digital technologies (basic and advanced level digitalization), ii) Automation of organizational processes, iii) Human resources who have the latest digital skills and are duly motivated to use these skills. This research affirms that after attaining digital competence Swedish manufacturing SMEs can sustain a competitive advantage in their international markets and it successfully facilitates in the firm’s internationalization process. / Digital kompetens brukade vara ett förvirrande koncept fram till nyligen när vissa forskare utarbetade en omfattande definition av digital kompetens och formulerade en konceptuell ram i ett små och medelstora sammanhang. Ramverket var dock endast på en konceptuell nivå och krävdes att testas med empiriken i en kvalitativ eller kvantitativ studie. Genom ett abduktivt kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt undersökte denna forskning befintliga teorier om digital kompetens och formulerade en ny digital kompetensram inom svenskt tillverkningspolitiskt perspektiv. Vidare undersökte denna undersökning rollen som digital kompetens i internationaliseringsprocessen av sex svenska tillverkningsföretag, vilket är enastående i den akademiska litteraturen. Våra resultat tyder på att digital kompetens är ett utvecklande koncept som utvecklas gradvis med tekniska framsteg och kräver en kombination av tre integrerade komponenter: i) Digital teknik (grundläggande och avancerad digitalisering), ii) Automatisering av organisationsprocesser, iii) Personal som har de senaste digitala färdigheterna och är vederbörligen motiverade att använda dessa färdigheter. Den här forskningen bekräftar att svenska tillverkare små och medelstora företag efter att ha uppnått digital kompetens kan upprätthålla en konkurrensfördel på sina internationella marknader och framgångsrikt underlättar företagets internationaliseringsprocess.