The internationalization process of born global high technology SMEs: The moderating role of business and social networks

This paper examines the moderating role of business and social networks in the internationalization process of born global high technology Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the context of developed and emerging economies. We develop a conceptual model in which the relationship between the two types of networks and the internationalization process (speed, geographic scope and entry mode) is analysed. We conclude that both business and social networks contribute to faster internationalization and offer necessary knowledge on new market opportunities. Our model aligns with previous studies and depicts the important role that institutional networks, part of business networks in this study, play in the internationalization process. We suggest that policy makers and entrepreneurs of high technology SMEs should be encouraged to develop all the necessary mechanisms to support and enhance early internationalization.