Title: Entrepreneurial capabilities in MNEs subsidiaries: the case of the dialysis industry

Authors: Antonella Zucchella, Maurizio Ettore Maccarini, Paolo Scabini

Addresses: Department of Business Research, University of Pavia, Via San Felice, 7 – I27100 Pavia, Italy. ' Department of Business Research, University of Pavia, Via San Felice, 7 – I27100 Pavia, Italy. ' Department of Business Research, University of Pavia, Via San Felice, 7 – I27100 Pavia, Italy

Abstract: This contribution analyses the development of entrepreneurial capabilities, coupling the management of international activities and the responsiveness to local needs. The focus is on the evolution from a traditional industry perspective, where the boundaries among industries and players are well defined and where firms must develop new capabilities of global sourcing and coordination of activities and competences provided by a number of partners to deliver value to local customers. This contribution focuses on the dialysis industry, a global oligopolistic one challenged by national responsiveness and global integration needs. In Italy, evolution in this industry is leading the main producers of technology to offer the public healthcare system an integrated service of dialysis treatment, inclusive of technologies, disposables, fluids and even personnel and building facilities. The industry also permits these global players to develop customer problem-solving capabilities and new capabilities.

Keywords: international entrepreneurship; MNE subsidiaries; global value systems; national responsiveness; entrepreneurial capabilities; dialysis industry; multinational enterprises; multinational corporations; MNCs; small business; internationalisation; Italy; globalisation; public healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2007.013254

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2007 Vol.4 No.3, pp.305 - 324

Published online: 14 Apr 2007 *

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