How and why born global firms differ in their speed of internationalisation - a multiple case study approach

Abstract

This article analyses the research problem of how and why born global firms (BGF) differ in their speed of internationalisation. It is based on the conceptual framework of the BGF theory and the Uppsala internationalisation process model. The research questions will be answered using a multiple case study research design with qualitative, in-depth, face-to-face, semi structured interviews of twenty subject matter experts (SME). The research results show that factors like the skills of the entrepreneur and the management team, their business networks, the business model of the BGF, the market entry mode, the successful implementation of a structured market development process, the uniqueness of the technology and the product portfolio, the availability of market opportunities, and the size of their home market influence the speed of internationalisation.