| dc.description.abstract | Our thesis focuses on the knowledge that small and medium firms need to
internationalize. Our study reviews relevant literature on internationalization and
combines several theoretical lenses to take an integrated approach to analyzing how
knowledge sources are relevant to SME internationalization. This includes ideas
from the knowledge-based view, network theory, theory of international new
ventures, upper echelon theory, and organizational learning theory. Thus, our
approach is a broader, and high level discussion of how knowledge sources relate
to internationalization.
Through a mixed-method approach using exploratory surveys and interviews, our
analysis helped us create a greater understanding of the knowledge sources involved
in knowledge-intensive, high-tech, SME internationalization and resulted in the
identification of several key knowledge sources that are thought to be associated
with a higher international performance. Customers, international partnerships,
prior management and employee international knowledge and experience, and
government resources, such as export agencies/consultants, are identified as the
most important knowledge sources to consider. It is proposed that optimal
combinations of knowledge resources, built using these sources, can enhance firm
capabilities, leading SMEs to greater levels of internationalization. | nb_NO |
