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The influence of additive manufacturing on early internationalization: considerations into potential avenues of IE research

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Abstract

Novel technologies are key enablers for early internationalization. Researchers and experts imply that industry 4.0 (i4.0) technologies will be exploited by existing firms and new ventures to develop radical business models and market revolutionizing products and services, leading to the disruption of global markets. Additive manufacturing (AM) is currently emerging as one of many disruptive i4.0 technologies. This paper provides the first stepping stone for research into the influence of AM on internationalization in the context of new venturing. Reflecting on current technological trends in the global industrial ecosystem, this paper proposes four themes of particular relevance in guiding future research into the influence of AM on new venture internationalization. Firstly, we indicate that research is needed into the emergence of expert AM service providers and the consequent lurking disruption of the current global value chain. Secondly, we suggest research focused on the role of AM in facilitating increased customer interaction and how this impacts networking, which is a key to early internationalization. Thirdly, we highlight the need for research that acknowledges the current challenges to established legislation and institutions to provide insights into how AM technologies influence international new ventures in the age of i4.0. Fourthly, we propose that research is needed into how AM technologies are used by INVs to overcome and capitalize on regional difference in developing products and services. The paper proceeds to conclude on and summarize these themes. Lastly, further less developed avenues of research are explored.

Resume

Les nouvelles technologies sont des catalyseurs pour une internationalisation Chercheurs et experts professionnels s’attendent que les technologies « i4.0 » vont être exploitées par les nouvelles ainsi que les entreprises existantes pour développer des modèles commerciaux radicaux et vendre produits et services révolutionnaires – facteurs qui vont perturber les marchés globaux. La production additive apparaît actuellement comme une de ces technologies i4.0 perturbantes. Cet article représente un premier tremplin pour la recherche dans l’influence de la production additive sur l’internationalisation dans le contexte de l’entrepreneuriat. Basé sur une réflexion sur les tendances technologiques actuelles dans l’écosystème industriel global, cet article propose quatre thèmes particulièrement pertinents pour la guidance des recherches futurs dans l’influence de la production additive sur l’internationalisation des nouvelles entreprises. D’abord, nous montrons un besoin de plus de recherche dans l’émergence des prestataires des services dans la production additive et la perturbation potentielle résultante de la chaine globale de valorisation. Deuxièmement, nous proposons des recherches avec focus sur le rôle de la production additive dans le soulagement d’une interaction croissante avec les clients et comme ce processus a un impact sur la construction des réseaux, élément clé d’une internationalisation précoce. Ensuite, nous soulignons un besoin des recherches reconnaissantes des défis actuels à la législation et les institutions actuelles pour une compréhension plus complète de l’influence des technologies de la production additive sur l’entrepreneuriat international dans l’âge d’i4.0. Nous proposons aussi qu’il y a un besoin de rechercher comment technologies de production additive sont utilisées par l’entrepreneuriat international pour surmonter et profiter des différences régionales dans le développement des produits et services. Finalement, nous présentons un résumé et des conclusions sur ce thèmes, ainsi que de trajets de recherche futurs.

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  1. Department of Marketing & Management, University of Southern, Campusvej, 555230, Odense M, Denmark

    Martin Hannibal

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Hannibal, M. The influence of additive manufacturing on early internationalization: considerations into potential avenues of IE research. J Int Entrep 18, 473–491 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-019-00267-y

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