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Internationalisation of Chinese SMEs: The Role of Networks and Global Value Chains

Su, Fang, Khan, Zaheer, Lew, Y.K., Park, B.I., Choksy, Umair Shafi (2020) Internationalisation of Chinese SMEs: The Role of Networks and Global Value Chains. Business Research Quarterly, 23 (2). pp. 141-158. ISSN 2340-9436. (doi:10.1177/2340944420916339) (KAR id:80301)

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Abstract

This article examines the role of networks and global value chains (GVCs), and how they influence emerging economy small and medium enterprises’ (EE-SMEs) internationalisation. Drawing on the insights, experiences and perspectives of entrepreneurs and senior managers of SMEs that have originated from China, the study adopts qualitative approach and examines nine firms’ internationalisation. We find that Chinese born-global manufacturing SMEs benefit from networks with quick insidership position into GVCs, but suffer from various obstacles that hinder their further development. The findings further indicate that network ties substantially facilitate EE-SMEs’ internationalisation, but also restrict their future global development, as their low position within the GVCs impedes further business development and capability building. The case firms’ lower position within the GVCs weakens the networks’ influence on their GVC upgrading. The research identifies key enablers of GVCs engagement and obstacles of GVCs upgrading of the case firms which play an important role in the EE-SMEs’ internationalisation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/2340944420916339
Uncontrolled keywords: SMEs, global value chains, network ties, upgrading, emerging economy
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5351 Business
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Depositing User: Zaheer Khan
Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2020 16:49 UTC
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2024 16:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/80301 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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