International networks and internationalization processes of the SMEs: a CAS approach

Purpose - The aim of the paper is to reflect upon the role of international networks in the internationalization process of the SMEs highlighting the analogisms between the international networks and the Complex Adaptive Systems. The research question is: could the Complex Adaptive System approach be useful to explain the dynamics among the agents in the international networks during the internationalization processes of the SMEs? Design/Methodology/approach - The work is developed by integrating the contribution of two relevant perspectives: the CAS approach and the internationalization processes of the SMEs through the international networks. Findings - Various situations and business models affect the internationalization of SMEs. The internationalization of a company is a complex phenomenon that can follow models based on linear processes and sequential phases as in the case of the paradigm of incremental change (or "models of the stages"), inspired by the model of Uppsala, models based on the ability of firms to be “born global”, and others based on the participation of firms in international networks. The CAS approach could be useful to understand the dynamics and the complexity that emerge from the internationalization process inside international networks with dynamics that depend on turbulent markets and, therefore, characterized by actors (actors/agents of the internationalization network) who require continuous adaptation to the contexts as in a CAS logic. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual approach developed in the paper should be further supported by empirical research that has to include differences among markets and dimensions of the firms. Nevertheless the work could be a first conceptual step for future researches. Practical implications – The work could be useful to find new approaches in the management of internationalization processes for the managers that work in complex markets and to better understand determinants of the dynamics in international networks. Originality - The process of internationalization of firms is the result of learning and knowledge of international markets; the internationalization is the result of an internal strategy of the companies that has effects in international networks characterized by multiple agents with specific relations. The CAS approach can help to improve the analysis of relations (adaptive relations) of the agents in the network in the current market turbulence and global economies. The CAS approach might be useful to know the international networks dynamics involving SMEs in their internationalization processes.