Article: Boosted by failure? Entrepreneurial internationalisation as a cyclical learning process Journal: European Journal of International Management (EJIM) 2024 Vol.22 No.3 pp.337 - 353 Abstract: How do entrepreneurs learn from failure, and how is this reflected in the internationalisation of their ventures? This study proposes that non-linear internationalisation and experiential learning are tightly intertwined processes in entrepreneurial firms. The reciprocal transfer, analysis and internalisation of experiential knowledge result in a cyclical process wherein internationalisation and learning continuously feed each other. In this process, failures trigger the need to learn and thus fuel the process. This research also highlights the role of the entrepreneur as an important gatekeeper of experiential learning. The entrepreneur's ability to absorb, digest and transfer the experiential knowledge within an organisation promotes the positive impacts of learning from failure. We further emphasise that entrepreneurs themselves do not have to experience failure; failures experienced by a peer, a firm in the same field or a fellow entrepreneur can be a source for long-term learning. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Boosted by failure? Entrepreneurial internationalisation as a cyclical learning process

Authors: Leila Hurmerinta; Niina Nummela; Eriikka Paavilainen-Mäntymäki

Addresses: Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ' Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ' Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

Abstract: How do entrepreneurs learn from failure, and how is this reflected in the internationalisation of their ventures? This study proposes that non-linear internationalisation and experiential learning are tightly intertwined processes in entrepreneurial firms. The reciprocal transfer, analysis and internalisation of experiential knowledge result in a cyclical process wherein internationalisation and learning continuously feed each other. In this process, failures trigger the need to learn and thus fuel the process. This research also highlights the role of the entrepreneur as an important gatekeeper of experiential learning. The entrepreneur's ability to absorb, digest and transfer the experiential knowledge within an organisation promotes the positive impacts of learning from failure. We further emphasise that entrepreneurs themselves do not have to experience failure; failures experienced by a peer, a firm in the same field or a fellow entrepreneur can be a source for long-term learning.

Keywords: entrepreneurial internationalisation; SME internationalisation; learning; experience; experiential learning; non-linear internationalisation; failure; near-failure; process.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2024.136483

European Journal of International Management, 2024 Vol.22 No.3, pp.337 - 353

Received: 16 Jul 2023
Accepted: 28 Nov 2023
Published online: 02 Feb 2024 *

Title: Boosted by failure? Entrepreneurial internationalisation as a cyclical learning process

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