Environmental Factors Influencing the Internationalisation...

Environmental factors influencing the internationalisation of a new venture in the German pork industry: A case study By George ten Kate University of Groningen Faculty of Economics and Business June 2012 Gerbrand Bakkerstraat 51 9713 HC Groningen (06)58967820 sjorstenkate@hotmail.nl Student number 1565095 Abstract This paper offers exploratory insights into the ways in which environmental factors influence the internationalisation of a new low-technology firm, two topics that are largely understudied in the field of international entrepreneurship. By analysing data and literature, the influence of market conditions, industry characteristics and global niche market opportunities are examined, using a†¦show more content†¦518). Research Question Although a big part of German exports consist of low-technology products, almost all research about factors influencing internationalisation of new ventures, has been done focusing on companies that operate in the high-technology industry. The environment in which these firms operate is very different from the environment in which low-technology firms operate. High-technology firms face high RD costs, short product life cycles and mostly operate in niche markets (Knight Cavusgill, 2004). These conditions are very different for low-tech firms (Evers, 2010). Here, RD costs and product life cycles play no significant role. Since studies about new venture internationalisation are so heavily grounded in the high-tech sector, little is known about the factors that affect the internationalisation of firms in the low-tech sector. This raises the possibility that past findings do not generalize equally well to all economic sectors (Zahra George, 2002). Furthermore, little research has been done about how environmental factors influence new venture internationalisation, and more research is necessary to find out how these factors influence early internationalisation (Fernhaber, 2007). Environmental factors are factors that a firm cannot control, and that are part of the external environment they operate in (Zou and Stan, 1998). These factors can have a significant push and pull effect on new ventures to internationaliseShow MoreRelatedReed Supermarket Case32354 Words   |  130 PagesCompanion Website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/hollensen to find valuable student learning material including: Full versions of the video case studies Multiple choice questions to test your learning Annotated links to relevant sites on the web An online glossary to explain key terms Flashcards to test your knowledge of key terms and definitions Classic extra case studies that help take your learning further We work with leading authors to develop the strongest educational materials in marketing, bringing