Strategy in internationally oriented European SMEs

Abstract

This paper presents strategic types of internationalized SMEs across four European countries responding to the call in International Business of developing studies in the field of "generic" international strategy.

The objective of our research is twofold: first, by employing cluster analyses we try to uncover strategic groups out from data. Second, we aim to link the emerging strategic clusters and their internationalisation behaviour and patterns.

Results show some strategic types that are in part common to different countries, even though relevant country specificities have been found. In general the universe of international SMEs is not isomorphic from a strategic orientation point of view, neither necessarily "reactive" nor "opportunistic at best".