Lean Internationalization: How to Globalize Early and Fast in a Small Economy

Abstract

This study examines the early market internationalization of 32 high-tech startups that operate internationally from small and open economies. It uses a comparative cross-national multiple case study research design to explore how such startups may differ in their speed of internationalization. Based on interviews with the founders, the speed of early market internationalization in these startups increases significantly due to the application of lean market development processes. The findings provide a basis for developing propositions for further comparative studies focusing on the early and fast internationalization of high-tech startups based in emerging and developed markets. The study contributes to the literature on networks, internationalization, and international entrepreneurship.

Keywords

• born-global firm
• early and fast internationalization
• global marketing
• high-tech startup
• international entrepreneurship
• lean internationalization
• small and open economy
• Uppsala internationalization process