The International Expansion of Chinese and Taiwanese Electronics Firms: The Role of Networking and Learning

This paper offers empirical evidence on how Chinese and Taiwanese electronics firms have developed their global business relationships with their suppliers, clients, and competitors to develop competitive advantage based on learning (knowledge access) during their international expansion. We follow the semi-systematic sourcing approach, in form of network centrality index analysis to study relationship developments of our Chinese and Taiwanese electronics sample firms between 1997 and 2017. By using quantitative network centrality indices, we are able to provide the highest possible generalisability of our research outcomes. Consequently, we contribute to the scholarship on developing regional business networks and the internationalisation of electronics manufacturing firms from emerging economies such as China and Taiwan. We offer managerial implications on country-specific business relationships, preferred market entry modes, regional partner preferences and relationship building frequencies of Taiwanese and Chinese firms on their way to becoming dominant players in the global electronics industry.