Globalization has driven the internationalization of both SMEs and large enterprises and has caused new opportunities and challenges to emerge. As a result of these new challenges, such as increased foreign competition, or due reasons such as lack of international experience, change in strategy, or dissatisfaction about their performance, many internationalized firms withdraw from their international operations. Permanent exit of international markets may not always be the best option. Re-entering these markets can be rewarding as the intangible resources gained from their initial internationalization experience may facilitate their international market re-entry, thereby having an advantage over newly internationalizing firms.   The main purpose of this study is to contribute to the concept of the re-internationalization process. This is done by exploring the relationship between international heritage and the different stages of the re-internationalization process, which consists out of: the initial internationalization experience, de-internationalization, the international time-out stage and the firm’s international market re-entry.   Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that SMEs apply international heritage differently, based on their level of resource commitment to the international market. This study shows that firms with a higher level of resource commitment tend to apply their international heritage on a global level, whereas firms that commit less resources only apply their international heritage in the market in which the international heritage was gained. Furthermore, while the disruptiveness of the market exit varied between the case companies, all four firms continued to commit resources to the exited market, albeit to varying degrees. Lastly, the empirical findings show that the role of international heritage is not a facilitating one, but that it causes the firm to be more careful.

<p>This Bachelor thesis studies the internationalization strategy of a Finnish label stock company, UPM Raflatac, in China during the late 1990’s. The purpose of this descriptive study is to facilitate the understanding of companies’ internationalization processes. This was done by studying UPM Raflatac’s internationalization strategy’s connection to the internationalization theories of the Uppsala model and the eclectic paradigm. The findings were established by presenting an Internet based questionnaire for the employees of the company. The results showed that the company did not have a country specific strategy and that the resemblance to the reference material was therefore limited.</p>

No description available.

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate what barriers and drivers influences the internationalization of private Swedish cleantech firms. The model of a multiple case study was chosen together with a qualitative method and an abductive approach. This was done by acquiring primary information from seven private cleantech companies, all located in Sweden and active in international markets. Furthermore, the theoretical framework presented the Uppsala model, network perspective, international new ventures, born globals, transaction cost theory and the OLI-model. With this theoretical framework, a conceptual model was created which shows how the parts are connected. In the empirical chapter, the primary data is presented to visualize what each individual company said regarding the different constructs of internationalization, drivers, barriers and internationalization decisions. Moreover, the analysis chapter visualizes the similarities and the dissimilarities between the theory and the empirical findings. The thesis concludes that there are both general, as well as specific barriers and drivers that are influential in the internationalization process of private Swedish cleantech firms. These are shown to influence the internationalization decision of managers to take an incremental approach to internationalization. The authors of the thesis also present the view that Swedish cleantech companies are generally too small, lack the financial resources and managerial drive needed to internationalize. The authors also present the theoretical and practical implications and provide recommendations for future research.

Atualmente, o conhecimento, a técnica e a inovação tornaram-se fatores críticos para o desenvolvimento de vantagens competitivas. O fator tecnológico, com suas rápidas taxas de propagação e obsolescência, apresenta um desafio ímpar para a gestão de uma empresa. Nesse contexto, as empresas utilizam sua função de pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D) como forma de tomar conhecimento do ambiente tecnológico global, de suas mudanças e tendências, das inovações em desenvolvimento de produtos e dos impactos destas em relação ao seu negócio. Ao mesmo tempo, com a internacionalização, as empresas ficaram aptas a desenvolver, produzir e comercializar seus produtos em diferentes localidades, o que resultou em um aumento da complexidade gerencial. Assim, o desenvolvimento global de produtos passou a ser um fator-chave para o sucesso da estratégia organizacional, tornando-se imperativo coordenar os avanços tecnológicos globais com as necessidades dos mercados. Todas essas mudanças obrigaram as empresas multinacionais, inclusive as brasileiras, a ampliarem suas fronteiras tecnológicas de ação, pesquisando e desenvolvendo globalmente produtos e processos, tanto para um mercado mundial quanto para cada mercado local. Focando no processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, este trabalho estuda casos desse tipo de internacionalização em seis empresas multinacionais brasileiras. Os resultados mostraram que, em apenas dois caso, essa internacionalização do desenvolvimento de produto ocorreu por decisão da empresa. Em três outros, houve a internacionalização derivada de competências pré-existentes nas empresas, e, no último não houve internacionalização do desenvolvimento. / Nowadays, the knowledge, the technique and the innovation have become critical factors for the development of competitive advantages. The technological factor, with its rapid rate of propagation and obsolescence, represents a challenge for the management of firms. In this context, firms must be aware of the global technological environment, its changes and tendencies, innovations regarding the development of products and also the impacts of those in the firms\' business. At the same time, with the internationalization firms become capable to develop, manufacture and commercialize in different locations increasing the complexity of management. So, the global development of products becomes a key-factor for the success of the organizational strategy, because it has become crucial to coordinate the global technological advancements to the markets\' needs. All these changes lead multinationals, including the Brazilian ones, to extend its technological borders to global research, and to develop products and processes for local and global markets. Researching the process of product development, this dissertation presents a multiple case study of internationalization of the product development on Brazilian multinationals, aiming to answer the following question: how did the process of internationalization of firms motivate the internationalization of the product development? The results shown that for one multinational occurred the internationalization, for four others, this internationalization was \"incidental\" and for the last one there were no internationalization whatsoever.

Esta pesquisa promove uma discussão sobre os critérios de desempenho na internacionalização de serviços de design, a partir de um estudo exploratório sobre o desempenho de escritório de design, chamados na literatura de KIBS, knowledge intensive business services (MILES et al., 1995; DEN HERTOG, 2000; TOIVONEN, 2004, 2006; MULLER; DOLOREUX, 2007), que tem tido notável relevância como players no cenário internacional (ABECASSIS- MOEDAS, 2012; TOIVONEN, 2004, 2006; HALLDIN, 2010). A literatura tradicional sobre internacionalização, com suas diversas teorias, não contempla especificamente desempenho na internacionalização de empresas de serviços, e neste sentido, foi necessária a validação dos critérios de avaliação de desempenho em internacionalização de serviços com especialistas. Determina-se como objetivo geral avaliar o desempenho de escritórios de design em seu processo de internacionalização e assim realizou-se um estudo qualitativo com seis especialistas de mercado e nove incubados da incubadora Start Line no segundo semestre de 2016. Verifica-se que indicadores comportamentais são determinantes na avaliação do processo de internacionalização de escritórios de design, e que empresas born global tem mais rapidez na sua expansão internacional, bem como uma rentabilidade superior em pouco tempo de atividade. Recomenda-se a validação destes indicadores com KIBS de outros ramos de atividade, pois é um setor carente de literatura sobre internacionalização. / This research promotes a discussion about performance criteria in the internationalization of design services, based on an exploratory study about incubated design offices, a service that in the literature is known as, knowledge intensive business services or KIBS (MILES et al, 1995), which have had relevance in the international scenario (ABECASSIS-MOEDAS, 2012; TOIVONEN, 2004, 2006, HALLDIN, 2010). Traditional internationalization literature, with its various theories, does not specifically study performance in the internationalization of service companies, and in this sense, it was necessary to validate the performance evaluation criteria in internationalization of services with specialists. The main objective of this research is to evaluate performance of design offices in its internationalization process,and thus a qualitative study was carried out with six market specialists and nine incubators from the Start Line incubator in the second half of 2016. It has been found that behavioral indicators are decisive in the evaluation of the internationalization process of design offices, and that born global companies are faster in its international expansion, as well as having superior profitability in a short time of activity. It is recommended to validate these indicators with KIBS from other branches of activity, since it is a sector lacking literature on internationalization.

O mundo está ganhando novos contornos a partir da crescente globalização, do avanço dos meios de comunicação, da mobilidade dos meios de produção e da redução das barreiras nacionais em todas as áreas. A economia globalizada da atualidade, e que ganhou notoriedade no século XX, impacta diretamente no sistema acadêmico internacional, pressionando as universidades a se adaptarem frente a essas novas circunstâncias, no entanto, segundo Miura (2006, p.2) somente nas últimas décadas, a internacionalização do ensino superior tem ganhado força nas discussões acadêmicas, tendo em vista os impactos da globalização na educação. De Witt (1998), destaca que a internacionalização é um processo e ao mesmo tempo uma resposta à globalização, mas não deve ser confundida com a globalização por ela mesma. Internacionalização inclui tanto aspectos locais como internacionais, ou seja, elementos interculturais e por isso, a formulação de estratégias e de políticas de internacionalização para nortear o planejamento da estruturação organizacional e apoio às ações como reforma curricular, pesquisas conjuntas, acordos internacionais, intercâmbio de estudantes e professores são pontos cruciais que definirão um processo sustentável de internacionalização da instituição. A pesquisa realizada para esse trabalho foi do tipo qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, utilizando como estratégia o estudo de caso e baseandose nos roteiros de entrevistas propostos por Miura (2006). A análise dos resultados apresentados nesse estudo de caso da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia revelou que o processo de internacionalização da UFU iniciou-se por ações isoladas em unidades da faculdade de engenharia no início da década de 1980 e que, apesar do processo de internacionalização nessa IES ser bastante recente muitas ações já foram realizadas, especialmente nos últimos anos com a criação da Assessoria de Relações Internacionais e Interinstitucionais ASDRI, o que levou a um aumento expressivo no número de acordos internacionais assinados e por conseqüência o aumento da mobilidade acadêmica, especialmente de alunos da graduação. A análise também sugere pontos importantes sobre as fragilidades e conseqüente ameaça para um processo sustentável de acordo com o círculo para a internacionalização proposto por Knight (1994). Na análise do modelo, foram percebidos pontos fortes (consciência e comprometimento); pontos em fase de desenvolvimento (análise do contexto, planejamento e operacionalização) e pontos frágeis (implementação, revisão, reforço e efeito da integração). Acredita-se que a definição de uma política formal explicitando o que é a internacionalização na sua missão e quais são as diretrizes para todas as unidades acadêmicas da UFU, possa direcionar esforços para que a internacionalização seja um processo auto-sustentável, contínuo e enraizado na cultura da instituição, fomentando o que Knight (1994) define com sendo a cultura que encoraja a internacionalização. / The world is winning new outlines starting from to growing globalization, the advancement of media, the mobility of the means of production and the reduction of national barriers in all areas. The global economy of the present time, and which won notoriety in the twentieth century, impacts directly on international academic system, universities are pressing ahead to adapt to these new circumstances, however, according to Miura (2006, p.2) \"only in recent decades, the internationalization of higher education has gained strength in academic discussions in view of the impacts of globalization in education. De Witt (1998), emphasizes that the internationalization is a process and at the same time an answer to globalization, but it should not be confused with globalization by itself. Internationalization includes as much local as international aspects, in other words, intercultural elements, and therefore, the formulation of strategies and policies to guide the planning for internationalization of the organizational structure and support for actions such as curriculum reform, joint research, international agreements, exchange of students and teachers are crucial points that define a sustainable process of internationalization of the institution. The research accomplished for that work was of the qualitative type, of exploratory nature, using as strategy the case study and basing on the itineraries of interviews proposed by Miura (2006). The analysis of the results presented in this case study of the Federal University of Uberlandia showed that the process of internationalization of UFU has been initiated by isolated actions in units of the college of engineering the beginning of the 1980s and that despite the process of internationalization that EIS be very many recent actions have been undertaken, especially in recent years with the creation of the International Consultantship Relationships - ASDRI, which led to a significant increase in the number of international agreements signed and therefore the increased academic mobility, especially of graduate students. The analysis also suggests important points about the weaknesses and the consequent threat to a sustainable process in accordance with the circle for the internationalization proposed by Knight (1994). In analyzing the model, were perceived strengths (conscience and commitment); points in development (analysis of the context, planning and operation) and weak points (implementation, review, and strengthening effect of integration). It is believed that the definition of a formal policy detailing what is to internationalization in their mission and what are the guidelines for all academic units of the UFU, can guide efforts for the internationalization process is a self-sustainable, continuous and embedded in culture of the institution, promoting what Knight (1994) defines as being the \"culture that encourages the internationalization.\"

<p>How is competition affected when market boundaries appears none-existing? Our way of communicating and interact has changed the business landscape and created one, international market accessible to all companies striving for competitive advantage (McDougall et al., 2000). Internationalization is the name of the process where firms cross national boundaries and take part of this international market. There are several theories describing this phenomenon, however one of the first models presented was one by the Swedish researchers Johanson and Vahlne in 1977. The Internationalization Process model, also known as the IP model, explains the internationalization of firms as an incremental process of international involvement where knowledge about foreign markets and market commitment affect the way a company proceed internationally.</p><p>Today’s business landscape has introduced a new kind of companies, a product of our connected world; born global firms are increasing in numbers and described as small, often high technological firms aiming for the international market right after establishing. As the authors of this master thesis we found it interesting that a model such as the internationalization model is still used, discussed and referred to. How can a model deriving from the 1970´s still have such importance in today’s changed world? Is it even applicable for this new business arena that the born global firms constitute?</p><p>Our research question has been as follows;</p><p>How does Johanson and Vahlne’s internationalization process model work in practice for born global firms?</p><p>The way we have analysed our findings is according to our purpose of the study; to define a born global company according to existing theories, examine its relation to the internationalization process model and create a more dynamic version of Johanson and Vahlne’s model.</p><p>The research process has been carried out as a qualitative study where we have made a deep study of a small, high technological company in Umeå called Seaflex. We have also included an interview with the Swedish Trade Council to support and broaden our empirical findings. Since our aim is to draw conclusions about an existing theory, we have undertaken a deductive approach in our research.</p><p>After conducting our research we have in our analysis defined Seaflex as a born global company, examined its relation to internationalization and then, in specific to Johanson & Vahlne’s internationalization process model. Finally in our conclusions we present a new internationalization process model focused on born global firms. Our findings are that when born global firms go international, the knowledge needed can be mainly obtained through the development of relationships with partners and new opportunities are discovered through the deliberate use of networks.</p><p>Due to the fact that our research involves solely one company, we are aware of its limited generalization. Therefore, our main suggestion for further research is to examine our suggested model however with a much broader perspective taking several born global firms perspectives into account.</p>

<p>Increasing globalization and decreasing trade barriers have created opportunities for Swedish companies to establish their activities in India. The aim with this dissertation is to explore if Swedish SMEs in the service sector follow the process suggested by the Uppsala Internationalization Model when establishing their activities in India.</p><p>In order to find out if Swedish SMEs in the service sector follow the process suggested by the Uppsala Internationalization Model, a multiple case study was conducted, adopting a qualitative approach. Three Swedish SMEs in the IT industry, that have successfully established their activities on the Indian market, were interviewed.</p><p>The results indicate that none of the companies in this study followed the internationalization process suggested by the Establishment Chain and the Psychic Distance. However, the examined companies in this study internationalized as suggested by the Basic Mechanism of Internationalization.</p><p>There is limited research on the internationalization processes of Swedish SMEs in the service sector when entering the Indian market. Subsequently, this study has contributed theoretically to exploring what factors are of importance for Swedish SMEs in the service sector when entering India. Furthermore, it has possibly contributed to the initial step of further research within the field of SMEs internationalization processes, should further research be conducted involving various internationalization models. In addition, this study has contributed by strengthening the existing research regarding the Uppsala Internationalization Model.</p><p>A suggestion to future research is to explore various existing internationalization models and to investigate what aspects of each model is applicable to Swedish SMEs.</p>

How is competition affected when market boundaries appears none-existing? Our way of communicating and interact has changed the business landscape and created one, international market accessible to all companies striving for competitive advantage (McDougall et al., 2000). Internationalization is the name of the process where firms cross national boundaries and take part of this international market. There are several theories describing this phenomenon, however one of the first models presented was one by the Swedish researchers Johanson and Vahlne in 1977. The Internationalization Process model, also known as the IP model, explains the internationalization of firms as an incremental process of international involvement where knowledge about foreign markets and market commitment affect the way a company proceed internationally. Today’s business landscape has introduced a new kind of companies, a product of our connected world; born global firms are increasing in numbers and described as small, often high technological firms aiming for the international market right after establishing. As the authors of this master thesis we found it interesting that a model such as the internationalization model is still used, discussed and referred to. How can a model deriving from the 1970´s still have such importance in today’s changed world? Is it even applicable for this new business arena that the born global firms constitute? Our research question has been as follows; How does Johanson and Vahlne’s internationalization process model work in practice for born global firms? The way we have analysed our findings is according to our purpose of the study; to define a born global company according to existing theories, examine its relation to the internationalization process model and create a more dynamic version of Johanson and Vahlne’s model. The research process has been carried out as a qualitative study where we have made a deep study of a small, high technological company in Umeå called Seaflex. We have also included an interview with the Swedish Trade Council to support and broaden our empirical findings. Since our aim is to draw conclusions about an existing theory, we have undertaken a deductive approach in our research. After conducting our research we have in our analysis defined Seaflex as a born global company, examined its relation to internationalization and then, in specific to Johanson &amp; Vahlne’s internationalization process model. Finally in our conclusions we present a new internationalization process model focused on born global firms. Our findings are that when born global firms go international, the knowledge needed can be mainly obtained through the development of relationships with partners and new opportunities are discovered through the deliberate use of networks. Due to the fact that our research involves solely one company, we are aware of its limited generalization. Therefore, our main suggestion for further research is to examine our suggested model however with a much broader perspective taking several born global firms perspectives into account.