Knowledge for SMEs’ internationalization: taking stock and looking ahead

Abstract

Aim. This integrative, systematic review content analyzes how scholars have investigated the role that knowledge plays in the internationalization of SMEs. Theoretical framework. The current work considers the main theoretical approaches that have been used by scholars to study how knowledge helps or hinders the internationalization of SMEs, among them, International Entrepreneurship, the Socio-psychological model, the Internationalization-process model, Knowledge-based view, the Networking approach and Transaction cost economics. Method. We extracted and synthetically analyzed the content of 224 articles. We classified them into theoretical approaches, entry modes, target variables, methods, home and host geographical areas and industries analyzed. We then mapped the intellectual structure of research in a two-dimensional graph. We used WordStat for content analysis and a correspondence analysis of the matrix formed by articles and descriptors. Results/Implications. We found four blocs with singular distributions for this research intersection: SMEs’ performance under KBV; qualitative and mixed methods for SMEs’ networks for entering specific host markets; SMEs’ internationalization under IO and TCE in specific industries; performance of entry modes and sources of knowledge to decrease risk and uncertainty. Additionally, our map and analysis of dynamics has helped identify research gaps in the intersection, which we summarized in future research avenues.