The small knowledge-intensive firm: a conceptual discussion of its characteristics and internationalisation

Abstract

This conceptual paper seeks to answer the research question: What are the determinants of internationalisation in small knowledge-intensive firms (SKIFs)? It does so by establishing the meaning of the term ''small knowledge-intensive firm'', by synthesising literature from the small firm and knowledge-intensive firm literatures, and then subsequently marrying this definition with the internationalisation literature to yield a conceptual framework involving such key influences on internationalisation as firm size, knowledge-intensity, the entrepreneur and environment. In each of these aspects, network relationships are seen to be influential. Implications of this discussion include the importance for SKIFs to prioritise and nurture network relationships, while seeking to strike a balance between strategy-making and responding opportunistically to new possibilities that emerge through these relationships.