Small Firm De-internationalization: An Entrepreneurship Perspective

This study aims to further the understanding of international entrepreneurship among small firms by conceptualizing the process of de-internationalization from an entrepreneurship research path perspective. As per findings, de-internationalization is defined as a new economic activity that creates
a dialogue between entrepreneurial cognition and organic growth directed towards new value creation. In turn, organic growth, seen as a transition from one gestalt to another, creates a dialogue between perceived resource availability and entrepreneurial orientation. As an eventual level of analysis within international entrepreneurship research, several key research issues that await the empirical researchers have been discussed. It is expected that with better understanding of the factors that are likely to influence de-internationalization and post-de-internationalization decisions, policy makers will develop more inclusive trade support strategies.