Title: Mapping of international opportunity recognition among foreign SMEs in Iran: from a theoretical analysis to an empirical perspective

Authors: Ehsan Soltanifar; Peyman Ajdari; Manochehr Ansari

Addresses: Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad Ave., Gisha bridge, Tehran, Iran ' Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad Ave., Gisha bridge, Tehran, Iran ' Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad Ave., Gisha bridge, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: This paper is aimed to make a detailed comparison among international opportunity recognition (IOR) profiles of foreign small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Iran including four specific countries. After undertaking a literature review, we have conducted 44 semi-structured interviews with SMEs from different industries which focused on Iranian markets in their IOR. Using matrix approach for data display and condensation, this analysis extracted main themes from practitioners' responses by discussion based on literature, and led to a set of IOR profiles divided by each country's practice. The research indicated that most of SMEs commence their OR process by attending fairs or outgoing delegations and continue different routes based on their industrial, cultural and networking components grouped into six factors. The method we have developed for IOR-mapping could help international business scholars to analyse and compare practitioners' situation with others and it also facilitates IOR initiatives locally and globally.

Keywords: international opportunity recognition; IOR; profiling and mapping; Iran; international entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2018.093577

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2018 Vol.34 No.4, pp.516 - 541

Received: 02 Nov 2016
Accepted: 18 Jan 2017
Published online: 30 Jul 2018 *

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