Firms’ use of networks to get access to resources for internationalization

• To get access to resources for internationalization many studies have acknowledged the importance of different types of networks. Therefore, this study intends to explore how different types of networks are beneficial for firms’ international growth. Three types of networks are identified in this study: Self established business networks, business networks established by a third party and social networks. A web-based survey is conducted among companies operating in the health technology industry in order to gain additional insights related to the accessibility of resources through different types of networks. The participating companies consists of members of the non-profit organization Health Technology Alliance (HTA) located in Southwest Sweden as well as several companies that are closely related to and take part in the activities of the HTA. Questionnaires have been sent out to 89 respondents of which 13 returned because of ambiguous or non-existing email addresses. Of the 76 firms that have received the questionnaire, 21 participated in the survey what equals a response rate of 36%. The findings reveal which resources are accessed through different types of networks. It is found that self-established business networks offer most access to resources whereas third-party founded business networks and social networks provide only limited access. Financial resources are not provided through any of the discussed networks. 

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)