Title: Development of internationalisation in a capability perspective: Norwegian SMEs in Russia

Authors: Eva J.B. Jørgensen; Etty R. Nilsen

Addresses: School of Business and Economics, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, P.O. Box 1621, N-9509 ALTA, Norway ' School of Business, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, P.O. Box 164 Sentrum, N-3502 HØNEFOSS, Norway; School of Business and Economics, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, P.O. Box 1621, N-9509 ALTA, Norway

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop their patterns of internationalisation after taking their first steps in a foreign country. The way these subsequent patterns develop may have an impact on the survival and on the growth of these firms. We apply a capability perspective and a theory-building case study design. Seven Norwegian companies, which started their internationalisation by crossing the border into Russia, provide in-depth data. The contribution of this study is threefold. First, we identify and describe four types of development patterns in international SMEs. Second, we distinguish between internationalisation and entrepreneurial capabilities and find that how these capabilities are combined and whether they are dynamic or operational, influence the development patterns in distinctly different ways. Finally, we propose four propositions that explain the influence of capabilities on the pattern international SMEs are likely to develop.

Keywords: internationalisation capabilities; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; international entrepreneurship; dynamic capabilities; entrepreneurial capabilities; Norway; Russia; development patterns.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2015.072396

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2015 Vol.26 No.3, pp.332 - 351

Received: 05 Feb 2015
Accepted: 05 Mar 2015
Published online: 12 Oct 2015 *

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