No abstract

Firms aspire to take advantage of technical and business networks through interorganizational interactions in order to improve performance. Consequently, researchers are increasingly attracted by the dynamics and implications of network formation at both local and global levels.From another perspective, authors have abandoned a monotonic effect and simplistic approach to proximity, as it emerges as a complex and multidimensional notion.Using data from a foodstuffs cluster located in the Valencia region (Spain) and advanced econometric methods, this paper aims to shed light on the detrimental effects and complementarities that may arise among the proximity dimensions. After controlling for network endogenous forces and firm characteristics, our findings reveal the effect of proximity dimensions on the creation of linkages in advanced stages of the cluster life cycle, in addition to the interactions among them.

The aim of this paper is to examine the profile of international manufacturing firms located in Spain. After reviewing previous research on the internationalization of small and medium companies, we will look at whether the relevance of certain characteristics and key internationalization factors differ between firms following the traditional gradual internationalization process and firms internationalizing rapidly. Basically, economic literature points out that clients', suppliers', competitors' and institutions' networks and differentiation advantages such as marketing or technology play an essential role in the acceleration of the internationalization process. Our empirical analysis for the Valencian Community (a southern Spanish region) shows that some small and medium-sized companies exhibit an accelerated internationalization process. Research findings evidence that firms which admitted an accelerated internationalization process present greater integration in client networks and greater international orientation of sector and company. Our investigation does not find greater differentiation for rapidly internationalized Spanish manufacturing firms. Neither does it recognize suppliers', competitors' and institutions' networks as key factors for developing a rapid internationalization process. Policy-makers and public agencies can benefit from these results: manufacturing sectors appear as targets for programmes focused on rapid internationalization promotion, networking and knowledge-based activities should be constantly encouraged in order to accelerate the internationalization process, entrepreneurs' and managers' international orientation and capabilities should also be promoted if more rapid internationalization process is desirable.

No abstract

Purpose Given the unresolved question about which causal conditions contribute to accelerated internationalization among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from weak institutional environment, this paper aims to combine theoretically relevant antecedents of domestic networks relationships (weak or strong domestic ties) and decision-making logic (effectuation or causation) to explore the configurations that are the most promising for explaining accelerated internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the accelerated internationalization of 33 contrarian cases of SMEs located in weak institutional environment. The data set has been collected through in-depth interviews with managers in Colombia (21 cases) and Peru (12 cases). Building on the findings, an integrative model for accelerated internationalization is presented. Findings The authors found that the combination of weak domestic ties and effectuation logic accelerated the internationalization of SMEs with fewer resource constraints. In contrast, strong domestic ties and causation behavior lead to accelerated internationalization of SMEs with greater resource constraints. They propose a model to help enrich the existing literature about the causal configurations for achieving accelerated internationalization in SMEs from weak institutional environment. Originality/value The contribution of this study is to provide empirical evidence to address three shortcomings in the literature. First, the mixed results regarding the impact of strong and weak domestic ties and decision-making logic in the accelerated internationalization of SMEs; second, the limited research on domestic networks; and third, the scarce investigation in weak institutional environment, where the emphasis on constrained resources is higher.