Journal of International Entrepreneurship

, Volume 8, Issue 2, pp 135–155 | Cite as

Organisational capabilities and internationalisation of the small and medium-sized information and communications technology firms

  • Olli Kuivalainen
  • Kaisu Puumalainen
  • Sanna Sintonen
  • Kalevi Kyläheiko
Article
First Online:

Abstract

Especially in changing and unpredictable global environments where small knowledge-intensive information and communications technology (ICT) firms often operate, knowledge-based organisational capabilities are seen to contribute most to the performance. In this paper we explore the internationalisation process of small knowledge-intensive firms by studying the effects of a firm’s organisational capabilities on internationalisation and performance. We use a sample of 124 (of which 55 operate internationally) Finnish small and medium-sized firms. International experience is confirmed to be a significant determinant of internationalisation and international performance. In addition, financial capabilities prove to be a significant indicator of the degree of internationalisation: excellent investment expertise, connections with venture capitalists and good financial management are important capabilities for a small firm with high international growth aspirations.

Keywords

Organisational capabilities Internationalisation SMEs ICT Performance Knowledge-based view 
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Notes

Acknowledgement

The Academy of Finland (Research programme Liike2) has supported this study.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  • Olli Kuivalainen
    • 1
  • Kaisu Puumalainen
    • 1
  • Sanna Sintonen
    • 1
  • Kalevi Kyläheiko
    • 1
  1. 1.School of BusinessLappeenranta University of TechnologyLappeenrantaFinland

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