Internationalization Patterns of Small High Technology Firms: Keep On, Step Back, or Withdraw

This study aims to further the understanding of the cross-border activities of Small High Technology Firms (SHTFs) through a qualitative, longitudinal insight into the post-internationalization behaviour of four Scottish SHTFs. The focus is on decisions that led to the reduction of international activity or withdrawal from international engagement. Future research questions and recommendations to policy makers are provided. As the research findings provide support for an emerging concept of a cyclical mode of internationalisation, the authors suggest furthering the research on the cyclical mode of internationalisation arguing that it may provide a better understanding of a more holistic internationalization process of the firm. In light of the above, policy makers are advised to support firms’ inward international operations and provide tailored cross-border support to small firms by changing their trade support mission from supporting exports to providing more general support for internationalization as a process of firm growth and development.