Towards a New Model of SMEs' Internationalization

Abstract

This chapter aims at exploring the internationalization of small and medium sized enterprises through the search within the referring literature for the main models challenging the internationalization process. In the light of the weaknesses and strengths as well as of the related gaps of such models, this study builds and presents a new model that is able to address the issue of both gradual and rapid growth at international level. This model, thanks to the supposed variables (roots of resources and development and direction trough which these resources are valorized) and mechanisms, offers interesting theoretical and managerial insights for the analysis of the internationalization process characterized by increasing uncertainty. Finally, the model is tested through the analysis of two case studies.