Knowledge, Knowledge Network And Internationalization Of SMEs

Today, the globalization is the major driver that has influenced nearly every business. The internationalization of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) is not only the main trends of the international competition, but also the inner demand of development. However, the internationalization of SMEs encounters many problems that can't be resolved by the traditional internationalization theory, such as the limited resources, the lack of international experience, etc. The aim of the study is to provide better insight into the internationalization of SMEs from the perspective of knowledge network.Based on a review of theories on the internationalization of SMEs, this thesis focuses on knowledge's role in it. Internationalization can be recognized as a process in which SMEs create, acquire and use market knowledge, internationalization knowledge and other knowledge. Moreover, more sophisticated knowledge networks can be SME's main competitive advantage in its internationalization process. Then, we analyze and conceptualize three kinds of internationalization trajectories: the traditional one, the rapid and dedicated one by "born global firms" and sudden one by "born again firms". Based on the previous analyse, we provide a theoretic framework for the internationalization of SMEs, and explore differences in firm behavior and knowledge base according to different trajectories.Based on previous study, we discuss the process of SMEs' internationalization from the perspective of knowledge network, both social one and business one, and the relationship between knowledge network and SMEs' internationalization is analyzed in detail. We argue that SME may upgrade its internationalization by constructing and making use of its knowledge network more effectively.The internationalization of SMEs based on knowledge network is discussed. SMEs are...