International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Prioritising barriers to E-commerce adoption in Indian MSMEs: a fuzzy AHP approach  
  by Anita Sengar, Tarun Dhingra, Shambhu Sajith 
  Abstract: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to a nations economic output. MSMEs have been the focus of considerable investigation, particularly in the context of disruptions such as digitalisation. Previous studies of MSMEs have not addressed the significant challenges that MSMEs face in adopting E-commerce and digitalisation. This study aims to enumerate, classify, and prioritise barriers obstructing the adoption of E-commerce and digitalisation. Fuzzy AHP, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, measures and prioritises barriers using sensitivity analysis to enhance robustness. The barriers listed in the regulatory category are the most significant, followed by Legal and Security, Social, Market, Logistics, Technological, and Financial Barriers. Regulations, unpredictable taxation, volatile government regulations, and a lack of standard operating procedures on the E-commerce platform are significant concerns. Technology and financial barriers stand last. It comprehensively categorises and prioritises the barriers, helping to frame policy for MSME growth in India.
  Keywords: MSME; micro; small; and medium enterprise; barriers; fuzzy AHP; sensitivity analysis; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2026.10077731
   
  
• Institutional environments and the internationalisation of micro multinational enterprises in emerging economies: evidence from Malaysia  
  by Tze Cheng Chew 
  Abstract: This study examines how home-country institutional environments shape the advanced entry mode choices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging economy context. Drawing on institutional theory, it focuses on the regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive pillars that influence internationalisation strategies, with particular attention to micro multinational enterprises (mMNEs). Using survey data from 253 Malaysian SMEs and logistic regression analysis, the findings indicate that regulative and normative supports significantly increase the likelihood of SMEs adopting advanced entry modes, while cultural-cognitive influences remain limited. The study makes three contributions. First, it refines institutional theory by showing which institutional dimensions matter most under conditions of institutional voids and by extending insights commonly associated with large MNEs to SMEs pursuing deeper internationalisation. Second, it advances SME internationalisation scholarship by establishing mMNEs as a distinct and analytically meaningful category. Third, it provides policy-relevant evidence from Malaysia, showing that targeted regulative and normative reforms can enable more ambitious SME internationalisation.
  Keywords: institutional environments; entry mode choices; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; mMNEs; micro-multinational enterprises; internationalisation; emerging economies; ASEAN.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2026.10078234
   
  
• Remittances and productivity dynamics: evidence from major remittance-receiving countries using a PMG-ARDL approach  
  by Balraj Verma, Amit Srivastava 
  Abstract: Moving beyond orthodox growth-based analysis, the study investigates both long- and short-run productivity dynamics of remittance inflows, offering deep insights into its structural transmission to total factor productivity growth thus addressing a crucial yet underexplored facet of remittance-growth mechanism. Utilising a panel dataset of 15 largest remittance-receiving nations over the period 1991 to 2022, the study employed panel pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) estimator complemented by heterogeneous panel causality and diagnostic tests. The findings revealed that both remittances and foreign direct investment (FDI) have a positive effect on a countrys productivity, in the long run. Additionally, the capital goods import is identified as a viable strategy for boosting nations productivity, exhibiting a significant impact in both the short and long run. Moreover, the study establishes a bidirectional causality between remittances and productivity suggesting mutually supporting dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of robust policy framework that channel the remittance inflows into productivity-led capital formation.
  Keywords: remittances; productivity growth; cross-country analysis; total factor productivity; capital goods imports; FDI; foreign direct investment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2026.10080630
   
  
• Transitioning from globalisation to deep localisation: an assessment of supplier development strategy and its effectiveness  
  by Ankit Agrawal, Sudeep Kumar Pradhan, Bijoy Kumar Rout 
  Abstract: With the rise in geopolitical tensions and disruptions, countries desirous of becoming self-reliant must transition their global dependence toward deep localisation (DL). DL transformation enhances indigenous capabilities, supplier competencies, and production resilience while reducing external vulnerabilities. In this transition, the supplier development (SD) plays a crucial role, yet their effectiveness under the DL framework is not quantified. This paper proposes a novel effectiveness index to quantitatively assess the performance of the SD strategy under the DL program for the Indian solar module manufacturing (ISMM) sector. The effectiveness index was obtained using a graph theoretic approach, to compare the effectiveness of SD strategies with and without the DL program. The finding highlights that top management commitment (TMC), long-term strategy (LTSG), raw material costs, and market demand are the most influential factors in achieving self-sustainability in the ISMM sector. The findings provide practical insight for manufacturers and policymakers seeking self-reliance in the solar module supply chain.
  Keywords: effectiveness measurement; supplier development; deep localisation; graph theory approach; supply chain management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2026.10081408
   
  

Special Issue on: From Local Roots to Global Reach Sustainable Entrepreneurship in BRICS and Emerging Economies

• Driving global competitiveness of export-oriented MSMEs through ESG strategies: the role of innovation and digitalisation under government policy support  
  by I. Gst. Ngurah Jaya Agung Widagda, Ni Nyoman Kerti Yasa, Gede Bayu Rahanatha, Putu Laksmita Dewi Rahmayanti 
  Abstract: This study examines how digital transformation, intellectual capital, innovation capability, and servitisation influence environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance among export-oriented Indonesian MSMEs. Using a mixed-method approach, the quantitative phase employed structural equation modelling (SEM), while the qualitative phase involved a focus group discussion with academics, consumers, and MSME practitioners. The findings show that digital transformation significantly enhances intellectual capital (= 0.397; p < 0.001), innovation capability (= 0.393; p < 0.001), and servitisation (= 0.443; p < 0.001). Intellectual capital (= 0.454; p < 0.001) and servitisation (= 0.220; p = 0.042) significantly improve ESG performance, whereas innovation capability has no significant effect. Government policy does not significantly moderate the intellectual capitalESG relationship. Qualitative findings highlight ESG literacy, digital and sustainability competencies, transparency, and buyer requirements as key implementation factors. Overall, digital transformation strengthens capabilities that support ESG performance and global competitiveness.
  Keywords: digital transformation; intellectual capital; innovation capability; servitisation; ESG performance; MSMEs; micro; small; and medium enterprises.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2026.10081409