The role of context in SME internationalization-A review

This article reviews how context has been considered in studies on SME internationalization. It examines 333 articles published during the period 2010-2020 in leading international business, entrepreneurship, strategy and international marketing journals. It identifies their key findings, discusses the theoretical perspectives informing this literature, analyzes conceptual and methodological challenges, and suggests paths for theory development and future research. The review also provides a platform from which to address some of the limitations in international business [IB] theories when applied to SMEs, including organizational size as a boundary condition.

Automated summary

This review article examines the consideration of context in studies on SME internationalization by analyzing 333 articles published in top international business, entrepreneurship, strategy, and international marketing journals from 2010 to 2020. It identifies key findings, discusses theoretical perspectives, analyzes challenges, and suggests paths for theory development and future research. The review also highlights limitations in applying international business theories to SMEs, including organizational size as a boundary condition.