International Business Review – Volume 32, Issue 6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2023.102176.
Liminality and developmental process of learning advantage of newness of early internationalizing firms
Emmanuel Kusi Appiah, Tamara Galkina, Peter Gabrielsson
Extant internationalization studies have devoted limited attention to the dynamics of the learning advantage of newness (LAN), which we, in response, investigate through the process approach and the novel lens of the concept of liminality. We conduct a longitudinal multiple-case study of five Finnish internationalizing firms. We inductively derive a process model that shows how the underlying liminal factors, such as international opportunity scaffolding activities, learning from communitas, and rituals, contribute to the development of learning advantage of newness. Originating in anthropology, the liminality perspective offers a novel perspective on LAN of early internationalizing firms. We also provide directions for future research and recommendations for practitioners.
Journal of Business Research – Volume 175, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114449
The effect of business model innovation on SMEs’ international performance: The contingent roles of foreign institutional voids and entrepreneurial orientation
Ruey-Jer Bryan Jean, Daekwan Kim, Rudolf R. Sinkovics, Erin Cavusgil
Despite the growing trend of firms adopting innovative business models for internationalization, scholarly attention remains limited. Existing research provides inconclusive findings regarding the link between business model innovation and international performance. Drawing on signaling theory, this study develops and tests a theoretical framework examining the impact of business model innovation on international performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Analyzing a unique sample of Chinese exporting firms, findings reveal a positive relationship between SMEs’ innovative business models and their foreign market performance. Notably, this relationship strengthens amidst significant foreign institutional voids. However, the relationship weakens for firms displaying greater entrepreneurial orientation.