A Theoretical Framework to Support Internationalization of SMEs

Internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has garnered much academic attention in terms of reasons and methods. Most of the studies adopt one of the three commonly used approaches: economic, network, and organizational. Each approach illustrates one’s viewpoint but does not provide a comprehensive overview of SMEs’ internationalization. The present study combines these three approaches by creating a structured framework theory. A qualitative approach with extensive content analysis is adopted. For this purpose, data were gathered from journals and other sources of literature. The study results show that the rapidly evolving concept of digital technology now appears to be a unifying factor in the integration of these three approaches. This concept can provide explanations not only about the “why,” but also about “how” SMEs internationalize.