Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Internationalization: An Integrative Framework

Internationalization is a dynamic process. Opportunities available to the firm, capabilities of the firm in exploiting these opportunities, and performance outcomes of internationalization fluctuate in response to constantly changing environments in both home and host countries. This study is an attempt to answer the call for theoretical frameworks that explain the dynamics of entrepreneurial internationalization IEI). Our objective in this conceptual paper is to capture the essence of the EI process. To do so, we integrate three models from distinct but adjacent research stream: entrepreneurship, strategic management, and international business. We capitalize on synergies of these frameworks to create an overarching model of entrepreneurial internationalization consisting of three feedback loops, and accounting for both individual-level antecedents and firm-level outcomes of EI.