Title: Network effects in international entrepreneurship: a meta-analytic review

Authors: Jiawen Chen; Linlin Liu

Addresses: School of Management, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China ' School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Abstract: Despite the recognised importance of the network effects of international entrepreneurship, they are not yet clearly and conclusively understood. This study sets out to address this issue through a meta-analysis of 51 primary studies. Our findings show that social network ties and business network ties are both positively associated with the entrepreneurial internationalisation process, in terms of international speed, scale and scope, as well as with the international performance of new ventures. More importantly, social network ties and business network ties function complementarily in promoting the entrepreneurial internationalisation process and enhancing international performance. This paper concludes by discussing the theoretical implications of the study's findings and suggesting promising directions for future research.

Keywords: international entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial network; international process; international performance; meta-analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2026.153355

European Journal of International Management, 2026 Vol.29 No.2, pp.316 - 349

Received: 19 Sep 2020
Accepted: 06 Mar 2021
Published online: 06 May 2026 *

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