Over the last two decades the international activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have captured the attention of scholars researching in international business, entrepreneurship and strategic management. More recently, the international entrepreneurship discipline has paid specific attention to the internationalization of SMEs through the participation to dispersed production networks. Although network relationships are recognized to be fundamental in entrepreneurial activities’ global opening, not much has been explained on the dynamics underpinning the setting up and coordination of inter-firm linkages. Using the global value chains (GVCs) theoretical framework, this paper presents and discusses a case study describing the endeavor of two SMEs to establish a cross-border alliance. As part of this process, the implementation of a right type of governance represents a crucial step in the establishment of the international partnership, as well as in the genesis of an emerging global value chain.

Enhancing SMEs' international competitiveness through cross-border relationships: a GVC perspective

BUCIUNI, Giulio;MOLA, Lapo
2012-01-01

Abstract

Over the last two decades the international activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have captured the attention of scholars researching in international business, entrepreneurship and strategic management. More recently, the international entrepreneurship discipline has paid specific attention to the internationalization of SMEs through the participation to dispersed production networks. Although network relationships are recognized to be fundamental in entrepreneurial activities’ global opening, not much has been explained on the dynamics underpinning the setting up and coordination of inter-firm linkages. Using the global value chains (GVCs) theoretical framework, this paper presents and discusses a case study describing the endeavor of two SMEs to establish a cross-border alliance. As part of this process, the implementation of a right type of governance represents a crucial step in the establishment of the international partnership, as well as in the genesis of an emerging global value chain.
2012
Keywords: International Entrepreneurship, Global Value Chains (GVCs), Global production networks, SMEs
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/471565
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