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International SMEs from emerging markets—Insights from the Colombian textile and apparel industry

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Abstract

The internationalization of firms from emerging markets has been studied mainly from the perspective of large firms. Smaller and younger international firms based in emerging markets suffer from underrepresentation in the literature. This study sheds light on the internationalization of emerging market SMEs, focusing on Colombian textile and apparel exporters. Using mixed research methods, it illustrates the role of firm age in influencing internationalization strategy. It examines 1165 export contracts by 50 SMEs, discussing export intensity, speed, and geographic scope using recurrence analysis and cluster analysis. It contributes to international entrepreneurship by exploring new empirical evidence and examining it using a novel methodological approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Organization and Management Department, Business School, Universidad EAFIT, Medellin, Colombia

    Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez

  2. Organization Engineering Department, Facultad de Minas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 80 No 65-223, Medellin, Colombia

    Eva Cristina Manotas

  3. Political Economy of Emerging Markets, King’s College, University of London, WC2R 2LS, room 8G, Chesham Building, London, UK

    Luciano Ciravegna

  4. INCAE, Alajuela, Costa Rica

    Luciano Ciravegna

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  1. Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
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  2. Eva Cristina Manotas
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  3. Luciano Ciravegna
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Correspondence to Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez.

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Gonzalez-Perez, M.A., Manotas, E.C. & Ciravegna, L. International SMEs from emerging markets—Insights from the Colombian textile and apparel industry. J Int Entrep 14, 9–31 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-016-0170-3

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