International ambidexterity future research based on bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This research aims to improve the understanding of the scientific contributions to international ambidexterity and identify possible lines of research. We conducted a systematic literature review of 193 articles on international ambidexterity published from 2003 to 2023 that are indexed in Scopus. The publications were systematically analyzed, and scientific mapping was carried out with the VOSviewer and ATLAS TI tools. The study reveals that research in this field focuses on multinational companies from developing countries, dynamic capabilities, internationalization, innovation, and business performance. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China lead research in this area, with the most prominent journals being the International Business Review, the Thunderbird International Business Review, and the Journal of Business Research. Based on the findings, the article suggests seven categories for future research: types of ambidexterity, organizational factors, internationalization, contextual factors, effects, relationships and capabilities, innovation, and networks. We encourage academics and practitioners to contribute to this area of research and deepen our understanding of international ambidexterity.

Keywords

• MNEs
• exploration international
• exploitation international
• ambidexterity
• literature review
• Angela Martinez, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain