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Networks’ Impact on the Entrepreneurial Internationalization: A Literature Review and Research Agenda

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Abstract

This paper reports a systematic literature review by seeking to discuss research that explored the impact of networks on the entrepreneurial internationalization of international new ventures (INVs). A screening process resulted in a final sample of 73 papers published in 16 double-blind reviewed journals with the highest impact in the field from 1994 to 2015. This paper highlights the dominant connection between networking and the entrepreneurial internationalization and points out the acceleration role of the network. At the same time, it highlights a relevant gap in studies: still little is known and proven about the effective impact of ties on the entrepreneurial internationalization. In particular, we highlight some inconclusive or contradictory empirical results about the role of networks for INVs, and also an unclear understanding of their impact on specific target variables describing the early and fast growth in international markets. Hence, there is an open window for further research. Finally, this paper suggests promising directions for future investigation to develop particular research area.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Rebecca Reuber, Nicole Coviello, the editor and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions which greatly helped to improve this article.

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  1. School of Economics and Business, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania

    Rimante Sedziniauskiene & Jurgita Sekliuckiene

  2. Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Antonella Zucchella

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  1. Rimante Sedziniauskiene
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  2. Jurgita Sekliuckiene
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  3. Antonella Zucchella
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Correspondence to Rimante Sedziniauskiene.

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Sedziniauskiene, R., Sekliuckiene, J. & Zucchella, A. Networks’ Impact on the Entrepreneurial Internationalization: A Literature Review and Research Agenda. Manag Int Rev 59, 779–823 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-019-00395-6

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