Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

SME Internationalization: the Impact of Information Technology and Innovation

  • Published:
Journal of the Knowledge Economy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Innovation and information technology (IT) are critical to effective knowledge management (KM) This study examines the effects of innovation on small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) internationalization and the direct and moderating impacts of information and knowledge circulation during IT adoption. The primary data consists of a survey of 612 German SMEs based in the Baden-Württemberg area. The purpose of the survey was to find out to what extent German SMEs had introduced and were using IT tools (electronic customer relationship management [e-CRM] and enterprise resource planning [ERP]), were interested in innovating and how much they valued export turnover. The results show that IT has no direct influence on internationalization. The implementation of ERP and e-CRM acts as a moderator of the innovation–internationalization relationship. The results suggest that developing innovation, while also increasing the level of IT, can improve SME internationalization. Several studies have mentioned that the research findings related to SME internationalization are country-specific. The application of the European Union (UE) classification to define our sample and the use of German SME data makes our empirical evidence comparable at the European level. However, the generalization of our results outside Europe is questionable. Therefore, studies with comparative samples are called upon to extend our results. Moreover, this study is limited to export intensity, leaving out the multiplicity of other factors in internationalization. Thus, the adoption of a dependent variable to test export intensity would extend our results. The results from this study suggest that SMEs might be able to enhance their innovation by implementing comprehensive ERP and e-CRM, leading to higher export intensity. The results support future research related to the functions of IT in the export process of internationalized SMEs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Acs, Z. J., Morck, R. K., & Yeung, B. (2001). Entrepreneurship, globalization, and public policy. Journal of International Management, 7, 235–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, R., Bessant, J., & Phelps, R. (2006). Innovation management measurement: a review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 8(1), 21–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alavi, M., & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25(1), 107–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldrich, H. E. (1979). Organizations and environments. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aragón-Sánchez, A., & Sánchez-Marín, G. (2005). Strategic orientation, management characteristics and performance: a study of Spanish SMEs. Journal of Small Business Management, 43(3), 287–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17, 99–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, S., & Egger, P. (2013). Endogeneous product versus process innovation and a firm’s propensity to export. Empirical Economics, 44(1), 329–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benitez-Amado, J., Llorens-Montes, F. J., & Perez-Arostegui, M. N. (2010). Information technology-enabled intrapreneurship culture and firm performance. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 110(4), 550–566.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernard, A. B., & Jensen, J. B. (1999). Exceptional exporter performance: cause, effect, or both? Journal of International Economics, 47(1), 1–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, E., & Hurry, D. (1993). Strategy through the option lens: an integrated view of resource investments and the incremental-choice process. Academy of Management Review, 18, 760–782.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, J. K-U. (2001). Market space and the new mechanism of internationalisation: some preliminary insights. in Taggart, J.H., Berry, M. & McDermott, M. (eds), Multinationals in a New Era: International Strategy and Management, New York: Palgrave, 88-104.

  • Buckley, P. J., & Casson, M. C. (1998). Analyzing foreign market entry strategies: extending the internationalization approach. Journal of International Business Studies, 29(3), 539–561.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cadogan, J., Sunkqvist, S., Salminen, R. T., & Pumalainen, K. (2005). Export marketing, interventional interactions, and performance consequences. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 33(4), 520–535.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlsson, B., Jacobsson, S., Holmén, M., & Rickne, A. (2002). Innovation systems: analytical and methodological issues. Research Policy, 31(2), 233–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cassiman, B., & Golovko, E. (2011). Innovation and internationalization through exports. Journal of International Business Studies, 42, 56–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cepeda Carrion, G., Cegarra Navarro, J. G., & Jimenez-Jimenez, D. (2012). The effect of absorptive capacity on innovativeness: context and information systems capability as catalysts. British Journal of Management, 23(1), 110–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandler, A. D. (1986). The evolution of modern global competition. Competition in Global Industries; Harvard Business School, 405–448.

  • Chari, M. D. R., Sarv, D., & Parthiban, D. (2008). The impact of information technology investments and diversification strategies on firm performance. Management Science, 54(1), 224–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, I. J. (2001). Planning for ERP systems: analysis and future trend. Business Process Management Journal, 7(5), 374–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, C. M. (1998). Strategies for survival in fast-changing industries. Management Science, 44, 207–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Civi, E. (2000). Knowledge management as a competitive asset: a review. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 18(4), 166–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coase, P. H. (1937). The nature of the firm. Economica, 4(16), 386–405.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, J. (1998). A multidimensional approach to the adoption of innovation. Management Decision, 36(8), 493–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dale Stoel, M., & Muhanna, W. A. (2009). IT capabilities and firm performance: a contingency analysis of the role of industry and IT capability type. Information & Management, 46(3), 181–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, S. R., Zahra, S. A., & Warkentin, M. E. (1991). Integrating the content and process of strategic MIS planning with competing strategy. Decision Sciences, 22, 953–984.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dedrick, J., Gurbaxani, V., & Kraemer, K. L. (2003). Information technology and economic performance. A critical review of the empirical evidence. ACM Computing Surveys, 35(1), 1–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dellner, E., & Lundgren. (1999). Globalisation via Internet - an Internet-based business model. Stockholm: Stockholm University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Desouza, K. C., & Awazu, Y. (2006). Knowledge management at SMEs: five peculiarities. Journal of Knowledge Management, 10(1), 32–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dess, G. G., & Picken, J. C. (2000). Changing roles: Leadership in the 21st century. Organizational Dynamics, 28(3), 18–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devaraj, S., & Kohli, R. (2003). Performance impacts of information technology: is actual usage the missing link? Management Science, 49(3), 273–289.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewett, T., & Jones, G. R. (2001). The Role of Information Technology in the Organization: A Review, Model, and Assessment. Journal of Management, 27, 313–346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dibrell, C., Davis, P. S., & Craig, J. (2008). Fueling innovation through information technology in SMEs. Journal of Small Business Management, 46(2), 203–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dosi, G., & Malerba, F. (Eds.). (1996). Organization and strategy in the evolution of the enterprise. London: MacMillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doz, Y., Santos, J., & Williamson, P. (2001). From global to metanational. In From global to metanational. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Press, 258p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffy, J. (2000). The knowledge management technology infrastructure. The Information Management Journal, 34(10-11), 62–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhardt, K. M., & Martin, J. A. (2000). Dynamic capabilities: what are they? Strategic Management Journal, 21(10-11), 1105–1121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Etemad, H., & Wright, R. (1999). Internationalization of SMEs: management response to a changing environment. Journal of International Marketing, 20(1), 13–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission. (2002). High technology SMEs in Europe. In The observatory of European SME’s N°.6. Luxembourg: European Communities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fillis, I. (2002). Barriers to internationalization: an investigation of the craft microenterprise. European Journal of Marketing, 36(7/8), 25–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjermestad, J., & Romano, N. C. (2003). Electronic customer relationship management: revisiting the general principles of usability and resistance — an integrative implementation framework. Business Process Management Journal, 9(5), 572–591.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gefen, D., & Ragowsky, A. (2005). A multi-level approach to measuring the benefits of an ERP system in manufacturing firms. Information Systems Management, 22(1), 18–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golovko, E., & Valentini, G. (2011). Exploring the complementarity between innovation and export for SMEs’ growth. Journal of International Business Studies, 42, 362–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, R. M. (1996). Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17, 109–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gringley, P. C., & Teece, D. J. (1997). Managing intellectual capital: licensing and cross-licensing in semiconductors and electronics. California Management Review, 39(2), 8–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guan, J., & Ma, N. (2003). Innovative capability and export performance of Chinese firms. Research Policy, 36(6), 880–886.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, M. T. (1999). The search-transfer problem: the role of weak ties in sharing knowledge across organizational subunits. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44, 82–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, C. W. L., & Snell, S. A. (1989). Effects of ownership structure and control on corporate productivity. Academy of Management Journal, 32(1), 25–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hitt, L. M., Wu, D. J., & Zhou, X. (2002). Investment in enterprise resources planning: business impact and productivity measures. Journal of Management Information Systems, 19(1), 71–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holsapple, C. W., & Sena, M. P. (2005). ERP plans and decision-support benefits. Decision Support Systems, 38(4), 575–590.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, R., & Weston, F. C. T. (2007). ERP – a brief history. Journal of Operations Management, 25(2), 357–363.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaffe, A. B. (1986). Technological opportunity and spillovers of R & D: evidence from firms’ patents, profits, and market value. The American Economic Review, 76(5), 984–1001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaffe, A. B. (1989). Real effects of academic research. The American Economic Review, 79(5), 957–970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jashapara, A. (2011). Knowledge management: an integrated approach. New York: Pearson/Financial Times/ Prentice Hall, Harlow, Essex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, M. V. (1999). The internationalisation of small high technology firms. Journal of International Marketing, 7(4), 15–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, M. V. (2001). First steps in internationalization concepts and evidence from a sample of small high technology firms. Journal of International Marketing, 7(3), 191–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Junnarkar, B., & Brown, C. V. (1997). Re-assessing the Enabling Role of Information Technology in KM. Journal of Knowledge Management, 1(2), 142–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalika, M., (1995). Structures ed’entreprise- Réalités, déterminants, performances. Economica (2° tirage).

  • Knight, G. A., & Liesch, P. W. (2002). Information internationalization in internationalizing the firm. Journal of Business Research, 55(12), 981–995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koellinger, P. (2008). The relationship between technology, innovation, and firm performance-Empirical evidence from e-business in Europe. Research Policy, 37(8), 1317–1328.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kortum, S., & Lerner, J. (1998). Stronger protection or technological revolution: what is behind the recent surge in patenting? Carnegie-Rochester Conference Series on Public Policy, 48, 247–304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laanti, R., McDougall, F., & Baume, G. (2009). How well do traditional theories explain the Internationalization of service MNEs from small and open economies? – Case: national telecommunication companies. Management International Review, 49, 121–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lam, L. W., & White, L. P. (1999). An adaptive choice model of the Internationalization process. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 7(2), 105–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsen, E., & Lomi, A. (2002). Representing change: a system model of organizational inertia and capabilities as dynamic accumulation processes. Simulation Modeling Practice and Theory, 10, 271–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2003). Management information systems: managing the digital firm (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, P. L. (2006). Managing information systems. Managing the Digital Firm (10th ed.). USA: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, H., Kelley, D., Lee, J., & Lee, S. (2012). SME survival: the impact of internationalization, technology resources, and alliances. Journal of Small Business Management, 50(1), 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lefebvre, E., Lefebvre, L. A., & Bourgault, M. (1998). R&D-related capabilities as determinants of export performance. Small Business Economics, 10(4), 365–377.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leonidou, L. C., Katsikeas, C. S., & Samieec, S. (2002). Marketing strategy determinants of export performance: a meta-analysis. Journal of Business Research, 55(1), 51–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, J. W., & Beamish, P. W. (2001). The internationalization and performance of SMEs. Strategic Management Journal, 22(6-7), 565–586.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makadok, R. (2001). Toward a synthesis of the resource-based and dynamic-capability views of rent creation. Strategic Management Journal, 22(5), 387–401.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDougall, P. P., Shane, S., & Oviatt, B. M. (1994). Explaining the formation of international new ventures: the limits of theories from international business research. Journal of Business Venturing, 9(6), 469–487.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melville, N., Kraemer, K., & Gurbaxani, V. (2004). Review: information technology and organizational performance: an integrative model of it business value. MIS Quarterly, 28(2), 283–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moller, C. (2005). ERPII: a conceptual framework for next-generation enterprise systems? Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 18(4), 483–497.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mudambi, R., & Zahra, S. A. (2007). The survival of international new ventures. Journal of International Business Studies, 28(2), 332–352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, R. R., & Winter, S. G. (1982). An evolutionary theory of economic change. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, P. H. S. (2007). Un modèle intégrateur des effets de l’internationalisation sur la performance de l’entreprise. Montréal, AIMS: XVIème Conférence Internationale de Management Stratégique.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Regan, N., Ghobadian, A., & Sims, M. (2006). Fast tracking innovation in manufacturing SMEs. Technovation, 26(2), 251–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oh, W., & Pinsonneault, A. (2007). On the assessment of the strategic value of information technologies: conceptual and analytical approaches. MIS Quarterly, 31(2), 239–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan, S. L., & Scarbrough, H. (1999). Knowledge management practices: an exploratory case study. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 11(3), 359–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavlou, P. A., & El Sawy, O. A. (2006). From IT leveraging competence to competitive advantage in turbulent environments: the case of new product development. Information Systems Research, 17(3), 198–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penrose, E. (1959). The theory of the growth of the firm. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petersen, B., Welch, L., & Liesch, P. (2002). The Internet and foreign market expansion by firms. Management International Review, 42(2), 207–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poon, S., & Jevons, C. (1997). Internet-enabled international marketing: a small business network perspective. Journal of Marketing Management, 13, 29–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M. (2001). Strategy and the Internet. Harvard Business Review, March, 79(3), 62–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M. E., & Stern, S. (2001). Innovation: location matters. MIT Sloan Management Review, 42(4), 28–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prashantham, S., & Berry, M. (2004). The Internet and the internationalization of small knowledge-intensive firms: a conceptual approach. In M. V. Jones & P. Dimitratos (Eds.), Emerging paradigms in international entrepreneurship (pp. 192–216). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preiss, K. (1999). Modeling of knowledge flows and their impact. Journal of Knowledge Management, 3(1), 36–46.

  • Quelch, J., & Klein, L. (1996). The Internet & international marketing. Sloan Management Review, 37(3), 60–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rai, A., Patnayakuni, N., & Seth, N. (2006). Firm performance impacts of digitally enabled supply chain integration capabilities. MIS Quarterly, 30(2), 225–246.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramaswamy, K., Kroeck, K. G., & Renforth, W. (1996). Measuring the degree of internationalization of a firm: a comment. Journal of International Business Studies, 27, 167–177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ravichandran, T., & Lertwongsatien, C. (2005). Effect of information systems resources and capabilities on firm performance: a resource-based perspective. Journal of Management Information Systems, 21, 237–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ray, L. L. (2008). Requirement for knowledge management: business driving information technology. Journal of Knowledge Management, 12(3), 156–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ray, G., Muhanna, W. A., & Barney, J. B. (2005). Information technology and the performance of the customer service process: a resource-based analysis. MIS Quarterly, 29, 625–651.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rialp, A., & Rialp, J. (2001). Conceptual frameworks on SMEs’ internationalization: past, present and future trends of research. Advances in International Marketing, 11, 49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rigby, D. K., Reichheld, F. F., & Schefter, P. (2002). Avoid the four perils of CRM. Harvard Business Review, 80(2), 101–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salojärvi, S., Furu, P., & Sveiby, K. E. (2005). Knowledge management and growth in Finnish SMEs. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(2), 103–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sambamurthy, V., Bharadwaj, A., & Grover, V. (2003). Shaping agility through digital options: reconceptualizing the role of information technology in contemporary firms. MIS Quarterly, 27(2), 237–263.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumpeter, J. (1934). The theory of economic development. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shin, I. (2006). Adoption of enterprise application software and firm performance. Small Business Economics, 26, 241–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shrader, R. C., McDougall, P. P., & Oviatt, B. M. (2000). How new ventures exploit trade-offs among international risk factors: lessons for the accelerated internationalization of the 21st century. Academy of Management Journal, 43(6), 1227–1247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skorupinska, A., & Toreent-Sellens, J. (2017). ICT, innovation and productivity: evidence based on Eastern European manufacturing companies. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 8(2), 768–788.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soliman, K. & Janz, B. (2004). A exploratory study to identify the critical factors affecting the decision to establish Internet based interorganizational information systems. Information and Management, 1–10.

  • Spigarelli, F. (2003). Internationalization processes of SMEs: an empirical analysis of the productive context of the Marche Region. Economic and Management, 3, 57–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stuart, T., Hoang, H., & Hybels, R. C. (1999). Interorganizational endorsements and the performance of entrepreneurial ventures. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 315–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tallon P.P., & Pinsonneault, A. (2011). Competing perspectives on the link between strategic information technology alignment and Oorganizational agility: insights from a mediation model. MIS Quarterly, 35(2), 463–486.

  • Tanabe, K., & Watanbe, C. (2005). Sources of small and medium enterprises excellent business performance in a service orientated economy. Journal of Services Research, 5(1), 5–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarafdar, M., & Gordon, S. R. (2007). Understanding the influence of information systems competencies on process innovation: a resource-based view. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 16(4), 353–392.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D. J. (2007). Explicating dynamic capabilities: the nature and microfoundations of (sustainable) enterprise performance. Strategic Management Journal, 28(13), 1319–1350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 18(7), 509–533.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiessen, J. H., Wright, R. W., & Turner, I. (2001). A model of ecommerce use by internationalizing SMEs. Journal of International Management, 7(3), 211–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umble, E. J., Haft, R. R., & Umble, M. M. (2003). Enterprise resource planning: implementation procedures and critical success factors. European Journal of Operational Research, 146, 241–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Beveren, J. (2002). A model of knowledge acquisition that refocuses knowledge. Journal of Knowledge Management, 6(1), 18–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Beveren, I., & Vandenbussche, H. (2010). Product and process innovation and firms' decision to export. Journal of Economic Policy Reform, 13(1), 3–24.

  • Verona, G., & Ravasi, D. (2003). Unbundling dynamic capabilities: an exploratory study of continuous product innovation. Industrial and Corporate Change, 12(3), 577–606.

    Google Scholar 

  • Von Krogh, G., Nonaka, I., & Aben, M. (2001). Making the most of your company’s knowledge: a strategic framework. Long Range Planning, 34(4), 421–439.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wade, M., & Hulland, J. (2004). Review: the resource-based view and information systems research: review, extension, and suggestions for future research. MIS Quarterly, 28(1), 107–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westhead, P., Wright, M., & Ucbasaran, D. (2004). Internationalization of private firms: environmental turbulence and organizational strategies and resources. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 16(6), 501–522.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiig, K. M. (1997). Integrating intellectual capital and knowledge management. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 399–405.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, O. (1975). Markets and hierarchies. New-York: Free.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, N. C. (1999). Gathering export market information using the Internet. Multinational Business Review, 73–80.

  • Wilson, T.D. (2002). The nonsense of ‘knowledge management’. Information Research, 8(1), Paper No. 144.

  • Wolff, J. A., & Pett, T. L. (2000). Internationalisation of small firms: an examination of export competitive patterns, firm size, and export performance. Journal of Small Business Management, 38(2), 37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, K. Y., & Aspinwall, E. (2005). An empirical study of the important factors for knowledge-management adoption in the SME sector. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(3), 64–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yam, R. C. M., Lo, W., Tang, E. P. Y. L., & W, A. K. (2011). Analysis of sources of innovation, technological innovation capabilities, and performance: an empirical study of Hong Kong manufacturing industries. Research Policy, 40(3), 391–402.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yen, D. C., Chou, D. C., & Chang, J. (2002). A synergic analysis for Web-based enterprise resources planning systems. Computer Standards & Interfaces, 24, 337–346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, D., & Zhou, R. (2017). Intellectual management: an integrative theory. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 8, 929–956.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zahra, S. A., Neubaum, D. O., & Larrañeta, B. (2007). Knowledge sharing and technological capabilities: the moderating role of family involvement. Journal of Business Research, 60(10), 1070–1079.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, M., Sarker, S., & Sarker, S. (2008a). Unpacking the effect of IT capability on the performance of exportfocused SMEs: a report from China. Information Systems Journal, 18(4), 357–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, C., Hu, Z., & Gu, F. F. (2008b). Intra- and interfirm coordination of export manufacturers: a cluster analysis of indigenous Chinese exporters. Journal of International Marketing, 16(3), 108–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zucchella, A., & Siano, A. (2014). Internationalization and Innovation as resources for SME growth in foreign markets. International Studies of Management and Organization, 44(1), 21–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zucchella, A., Palamara, G., & Denicolai, S. (2007). The drivers of the early internationalization of the firm. Journal of World Business, 42(3), 268–280.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. PSB – Paris School of Business, 59 rue Nationale, 75013, Paris, France

    Marjorie Lecerf

  2. Disruptive Digital Data Chair, PSB – Paris School of Business, 59 rue Nationale, 75013, Paris, France

    Nessrine Omrani

Authors
  1. Marjorie Lecerf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nessrine Omrani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nessrine Omrani.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

The present study is part of a wider research project that has received financial support through grants from the European Union and the INTERREG (community funds for cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation) 2012, EM Partenaires, Strasbourg University.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Lecerf, M., Omrani, N. SME Internationalization: the Impact of Information Technology and Innovation . J Knowl Econ 11, 805–824 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-018-0576-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-018-0576-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation