Title: Significance of the speed of internationalisation for born global firms - a multiple case study approach

Authors: Michael Neubert

Addresses: ISM International School of Management, 17, Boulevard Raspail, 75007 Paris, France

Abstract: This article analyses the significance of the speed of internationalisation for born global firms (BGFs). In this multiple case study, BGFs are defined as high-tech start-up firms (HSFs) from a small and open economy (SMOPEC) like Switzerland. The theoretical framework consists of the Uppsala internationalisation process model and BGF theory. A sample of 20 subject matter experts (SME) is interviewed. The results of this study show that the significance of the speed of internationalisation of HSFs is considered essential for the survival of HSFs from SMOPECs. Consequently, all SMEs included early and fast internationalisation in their business plans and built their business models accordingly.

Keywords: early internationalisation; internationalisation speed; high technology; high tech firms; start-ups; small economies; open economies; case studies; born globals; BGFs; Uppsala internationalisation process model; Switzerland; business models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2016.076067

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2016 Vol.7 No.1, pp.66 - 81

Received: 16 Dec 2015
Accepted: 11 Jan 2016

Published online: 22 Apr 2016 *

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