Sharing economy companies’ internationalization: A business ecosystem strategy

Abstract

This study focuses on the internationalization of sharecoms, specifically on how foreign sharecoms foster local communities and integrate them into a global business ecosystem. Using a qualitative multi-case study approach to examine the internationalization of eight European sharecoms, this study introduces a framework that delineates how sharecoms can engage with both core and non-core players in a foreign market. This research enriches the discourse on platform internationalization by proposing a strategic, replicable template for sharecoms to alleviate the challenges of foreignness and outsidership through building value-creating relationships with local players.