Title: Internationalisation of microenterprises: systematic literature review

Authors: Ulla Lehtinen; Martti Saarela; Peetu Virkkala

Addresses: Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland ' Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland ' Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, Pajatie 5, FI-85500 Nivala, Finland

Abstract: Microenterprises are the most common type of firm within the European Union, accounting for 93.2% of all enterprises. This study's aim is to obtain an overview of the literature on microenterprises' internationalisation; this is done by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR). The research question of this study is as follows: what is studied in an academic context about the internationalisation of microenterprises? The findings highlight that there is a lack of academic research focused on the internationalisation of microenterprises as a special group of enterprises. The study contributes to the field of international entrepreneurship and literature on microenterprises.

Keywords: microenterprise; micro-company; microfirm; smaller firm; internationalisation; export; international entrepreneurship; systematic literature review; small business; trade.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2021.118408

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2021 Vol.20 No.3, pp.234 - 252

Received: 30 Oct 2020
Accepted: 08 Nov 2020

Published online: 25 Oct 2021 *

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