An Opportunity Based View (OBV) of Rapid Internationalization

Abstract

This paper aims to better understand patterns of rapid internationalization by using the emerging international entrepreneurship paradigm. This involves: 1) taking an Opportunity-Based View (OBV) – rather than just the firm – as a focal point of analysis, 2) focusing on dynamic entrepreneurial processes, and 3) stressing the importance of history. Empirical evidence was gathered from 15 case studies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Australia. The authors find support for the central proposition that behind the gradual or rapid form of internationalization process lies a path-dependent process of opportunity development and cross-border venturing activities that is shaped by the domestic and international networks in which the key actors and organizations have operated in the past and are currently operating in. The evidence leads the authors to question the idea that rapid internationalization is rapid at all. Importantly, it reveals that rapid internationalization seems to be a truly rapid process only when not taking an OBV perspective. In so doing, the authors demonstrate that the OBV perspective is a fruitful avenue of enquiry to advance knowledge in this area and underline the importance of the entrepreneurial process and firm history.

Keywords: Born Global, International Entrepreneurship, Opportunity, OBV, Rapid Internationalization