The development of a theoretical framework for the internationalization process of fast growth medium-sized firms in Europe

The experience of the author and a review of the literature identifies a number ofpossible limitations in current theories of internationalization. Existing theoriescan be broadly classified under the headings of either "stage school" orcontingency theories. There appears to have been little research on the interfacebetween the two theoretical approaches, nor on the dynamism of theinternationalization process within an individual firm. While scholars challenge thecurrent theory, few have attempted to develop or propose alternative theories.Therefore, the central aim and contribution of this doctoral research has been todevelop a theoretical framework from the literature, evaluated in an empiricalstudy of European firms.The research and theoretical development, whilst exploratory, suggests that theinternationalization process of firms is contingent on exogenous and endogenousinfluences. These influences are dynamic, complex and vary according to thespecific contexts used in the research. The contingency contexts are summarizedhere as:The industry and country environment in which the organization operates; the mindset of the entrepreneur decision-maker(s); the nature of the product, the market demographics, and the mindset andnature of the seller and buying organization.The results indicate that the theoretical framework is rigorous enough todemonstrate the variety in the internationalization processes of the firms in thestudy. The findings are, that whilst there are some common processes and patternsamong the firms in the study, there are variations, explained by the contingencytheory and contexts in which the firms operate. Previous research has neglectedspecific contexts as important factors in the internationalization process. Thethesis addresses this gap in the research by developing the theory in the context ofspecific sectors (electronics, software and metal-mechanical) countries (UK,Germany, France and Italy), firm size (medium-sized) and fast growth.