Digitalization of companies in international entrepreneurship and marketing. Issue 3 (11th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vadana, Ioan-Iustin; Torkkeli, Lasse; Kuivalainen, Olli; Saarenketo, Sami
• Is Part Of: International marketing review. Volume 37:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 471
• Page End: 492
• Publication Date: 2019-12-11
• Subjects: International marketing -- Internationalization -- Digitalization -- Web -- Born-digital -- Value-chain; Export marketing -- Periodicals; Export marketing -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 658.84805
• DOI: 10.1108/IMR-04-2018-0129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-1335

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Little research has been done on the emergence of companies that engage in increasingly digital entrepreneurship with digitalized value-chain activities. The purpose of this paper is provide a consistent picture of how value-chain digitalization affects companies' internationalization and international marketing (IM), and give insights regarding the influence of the degree of value-chain digitalization on the level of internationalization. Design/methodology/approach: This paper takes an explorative approach based on a literature review and uses a conceptual analysis and research framework to empirically classify digitalized/-ing companies. Findings: This study finds ways to classify the internationalization of companies according to the degree of digitalization of their value-chain. The more these companies use internet hardware infrastructure and web and mobile software technologies, the better they can leverage their foreign assets, achieving a higher share of foreign sales with relatively limited foreign assets. Research limitations/implications: The results enrich the literature on internationalization and IM and entrepreneurship to explain companies that are distinctly digitalized across their value-chain activities. Practical implications: This research provides evidence for companies regarding digitalization of the value-chain to facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities and offer rapid, efficient and affordable internationalization. Originality/value: This research tackles a novel phenomenon by analyzing companies' value-chain digitalization in relation to their degree of internationalization and IM.