Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an exploration into the internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies. It seeks to conceptualise the strategies as a learning process. Design/methodology/approach: The research is qualitative using a case study approach involving in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally. Findings: The findings suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs adopt mostly the network or, in some cases, the international new venture (born-global) market entry approach rather than the traditional stage by stage approach. The findings also suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs have perceived advantages over domestic small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because of their foreign exposure which has influenced their entrepreneurial behaviour in exploiting business opportunities. Practical implications: The main implication of the study is that entrepreneurs who are beginning to internationalise their activities should seek to exploit potential first-mover advantages in emerging economies by realising an approach of internationalisation at high speed. Originality/value: The paper contributes to better understanding of the diaspora entrepreneurship and its dynamics.