International Entrepreneurship: Linking Entrepreneurial Motivation, Orientation and Network Relationship
Author:Jurgita Sekliuckiene
JEL:L14, L26, M13, M16
DOI:
Keywords:international entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial
motivation, network, born global, information technology (IT) industry.
Abstract:
The paper analyses the importance of collaboration and networks in international
entrepreneurship by distinguishing entrepreneurial small and medium firms (SMEs). SMEs,
which characterized by fast internationalisation of their activity from the very beginning of
the establishment despite limited resources, knowledge, international experience, are called
born global. Such firms distinguish in entrepreneurial orientation, innovativeness,
orientation towards niches, competitiveness and proactiveness towards international
opportunities. The paper argues that the accelerator of entrepreneurial SMEs is their being
in networks. Active interaction with customers, suppliers and external partners is
inseparable from entrepreneurial orientation in pursuing for new possibilities in the market.
The empirical data have been obtained from internationalized Lithuanian high-tech firms
operating in the information technology sector. The paper presents motives, which
determined the involvement of entrepreneurial SMEs into international markets,
characteristics of entrepreneurial orientation as well as peculiarities of network relationship
in Lithuania, a small Central and Eastern European country. The empirical evidence
suggests that necessity to create national and international network relationships is the
determinant success aspect of international expansion. The performed research extends the
scope of international entrepreneurship research in emerging CEE countries.