One-Click Internationalisation through E-Commerce Marketplaces? A qualitative study of the key capabilities for SMEs
(2020) BUSN09 20201Department of Business Administration
- Abstract
- Purpose – While e-commerce marketplaces have changed the way SMEs operate across borders, literature connecting digital platforms with the internationalisation of firms is scarce. Although the Uppsala Model and the Born Global concept acknowledge the influence of digital technologies, they do not capture the phenomenon of e-commerce marketplaces as a new mode of entry. In light of the new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how such firms can successfully internationalise through ecommerce marketplaces by deploying a specific set of capabilities.
Methodology – To address the research purpose, a qualitative research approach was adopted
in the form of a single case study.... (More) - Purpose – While e-commerce marketplaces have changed the way SMEs operate across borders, literature connecting digital platforms with the internationalisation of firms is scarce. Although the Uppsala Model and the Born Global concept acknowledge the influence of digital technologies, they do not capture the phenomenon of e-commerce marketplaces as a new mode of entry. In light of the new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how such firms can successfully internationalise through ecommerce marketplaces by deploying a specific set of capabilities.
Methodology – To address the research purpose, a qualitative research approach was adopted
in the form of a single case study. Empirical data was gathered from nine in-depth interviews with employees of a Swedish SME and six interviews with e-commerce marketplace professionals to study obstacles and enabling drivers for international success of SMEs.
Findings – To succeed internationally on e-commerce marketplaces, SMEs need to develop a set of four interrelated capabilities, including the managerial-, networking-, technological-, and marketing capability. While the managerial capability serves as an overarching component determining the other three capabilities, a strong networking capability can offset weaknesses in technological and/or marketing skills.
Contribution – This study contributes to the field of International Business by providing a holistic view on critical capabilities for SMEs that internationalise through e-commerce marketplaces. The proposed framework serves as a management tool for firms to develop strategies for international success on digital platforms. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9020493
- author
- Seige, Leonie Charlotte LU and Weers, Laura Kristin LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- BUSN09 20201
- year
- 2020
- type
- H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
- subject
- keywords
- SMEs, digital platforms, e-commerce marketplace, internationalisation, capabilities
- language
- English
- id
- 9020493
- date added to LUP
- 2020-07-08 11:45:05
- date last changed
- 2020-07-08 11:45:05
@misc{9020493,
abstract = {{Purpose – While e-commerce marketplaces have changed the way SMEs operate across borders, literature connecting digital platforms with the internationalisation of firms is scarce. Although the Uppsala Model and the Born Global concept acknowledge the influence of digital technologies, they do not capture the phenomenon of e-commerce marketplaces as a new mode of entry. In light of the new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, the purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how such firms can successfully internationalise through ecommerce marketplaces by deploying a specific set of capabilities.
Methodology – To address the research purpose, a qualitative research approach was adopted
in the form of a single case study. Empirical data was gathered from nine in-depth interviews with employees of a Swedish SME and six interviews with e-commerce marketplace professionals to study obstacles and enabling drivers for international success of SMEs.
Findings – To succeed internationally on e-commerce marketplaces, SMEs need to develop a set of four interrelated capabilities, including the managerial-, networking-, technological-, and marketing capability. While the managerial capability serves as an overarching component determining the other three capabilities, a strong networking capability can offset weaknesses in technological and/or marketing skills.
Contribution – This study contributes to the field of International Business by providing a holistic view on critical capabilities for SMEs that internationalise through e-commerce marketplaces. The proposed framework serves as a management tool for firms to develop strategies for international success on digital platforms.}},
author = {{Seige, Leonie Charlotte and Weers, Laura Kristin}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{One-Click Internationalisation through E-Commerce Marketplaces? A qualitative study of the key capabilities for SMEs}},
year = {{2020}},
}