Internationalization Patterns and Entry Modes

Internationalization patterns of SMEs represent a largely debated argument in international business. The discovery of early internationalizing companies whose behavior contrasts with those that gradually internationalize by increasing their scope and commitment has stimulated academic curiosity on the various patterns companies can stick to over time. Although most of the literature on EIFs has focused on their early international development, a stream of research has been devoted to understanding whether all EIFs behave in the same way or if there are different EIFs. Following this purpose, studies have aimed to understand the internationalization path of EIFs and other kinds of internationalizing companies and the entry mode strategies adopted to expand abroad. Discussion and future research avenues are provided in the end.