La place de l'innovation dans les stratégies concurrentielles des P.M.E. internationales

The aim of this research is to place the relationship between innovation and internationalization for SMEs into the more global context of competitive strategy. Based on the ?strategic fit? theory, an empirical study based on a sample of 58 SMEs shows that international SMEs differ significantly from regional SMEs on a number of ?competitive dimensions?. International SMEs are exposed to more stringent requirements in terms of product differentiation and the minimization of production costs and follow a more intensive concentration strategy. R&D and product technology are part of the product differentiation strategy whereas innovation in the production process is part of the cost minimization strategy.