NETWORKS AND SME´S INTERNATIONNALIZATION PROCESS: THE CASE OF SOFTWARE INDUSTRY IN COSTA RICA, LAS REDES Y PROCESO DE INTERNACIONALIZACIÓN DE PEQUEÑAS Y MEDIANAS EMPRESAS: EL CASO DE LA INDUSTRIA DEL SOFTWARE DE COSTA RICA

This research studies the impact of networks on SME´s international process using a case study methodology in the software industry. We analyze how findings can be explained by using the Uppsala bInternationalization model, the network model of internationalization and the international new venture theory. The results show, none of these theories alone adequately explains the internationalization behavior of small and medium-sized software firms. Findings show the internationalization process of these firms is an accelerated version of the stage model perspective, driven and facilitated by the network relationship. Meanwhile its behavior was opportunity seeking. This behavior and network relationship influences entry mode and market selection. The research offers empirical evidence of software SME´s in a small and open developing country: Costa Rica.