"From garage to global." An exploration of the Internets influence on international market growth strategies; An Australian small firm perspective

The Internet has the capability to generate geographical international market expansion and future growth for the firm, a concept known as Internetalisation. However, it is yet to be determined as to how much or to what level the Internet influences internationalisation, and thus international market growth. Both international market penetration and the development of new international customers are achievable goals for the Internet enlightened small firm. Thus, the aim of this research is to explore the influence of the Internet on international market penetration and development from the strategic perspective of the small firm. The findings from the research help to better understand how the Internet accelerates the process of internationalisation for small firms. However, although the Internet has given firms the capabilities to become instantly international, an evolved version of network theory may give a superior explanation of internationalisation of small firms in today’s digital environment.