Alliance Management Capabilities and Internationalization: The Mediating Role of Innovation

Despite the abundance of research on the internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) sector, we know little about the relationship between alliance management capabilities (AMC) and internationalization in this sector. Based on the resource-based view and capabilities perspective, we attempt to address this gap by offering a conceptual understanding of how AMC can impact on internationalization activity in terms of capabilities and performance. Specifically, we contend that radical and incremental co-innovations are necessary strategic actions to leverage the AMC when SMEs pursue internationalization. Furthermore, we suggest that partners’ diversity can moderate the link between AMC and co-innovation