The internationalization processes of the firm: a new research agenda

• We examine the fundamental assumptions and features of the Uppsala model of internationalization and argue that we need to look beyond this model for studying internationalization processes in the multinational corporations (MNCs) of today. The purpose of our paper is to identify gaps and neglected issues regarding MNCs' internationalization processes that demand further theoretical and empirical study. Our approach is conceptual: based on the most cited model on internationalization, the Uppsala model, we approach the complex internationalization processes that continously go on in modern MNCs. We use related bodies of literature, on MNC structure and strategy, headquarters-subsidiary relationships, MNC subsidiary strategy development, and opportunity seeking and entrepreneurship, to fill in the gaps and develop the emerging research themes. We identify the following three issues that need further investigation: the opportunity recognition process preceding internationalization processes in MNCs, the internationalization of multiple products within the confines of the growing MNC, and the internationalization of foreign MNC units. In this paper, we open up new research fields but do not offer empirical stuydies to inform us about these relevant issues. Future research should study these issues empirically, preferably through case study methologies an/or with longitudinal designs. The contribution of our paper is its identification of three research issues in relation to internationalization processes of modern MNCs, which we argue are neglected by contemporary reseach.

Subject headings

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

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

Keyword

Business studies

Företagsekonomi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)