A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Value creation of an internationalizing entrepreneurial firm: The business model perspective




AuthorsLiisa-Maija Sainio, Sami Saarenketo, Niina Nummela, Taina Eriksson

PublisherEmerald Group

Publication year2011

JournalJournal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

Number in series3

Volume18

Issue3

First page 556

Last page570

ISSN1462-6004


Abstract
Purpose – In order to respond to the call for a broader perspective on the internationalization of entrepreneurial firms, this study aims to bring the business model concept to the context of international entrepreneurship, with special emphasis on the notion of value formation and value exchange at company interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach – This is a cross-case study based on qualitative data from business model workshops with key company informants in each case firm.

Findings – The findings of the study indicate that, although the business models of firms with comparable positions may appear similar, there are fine-grained differences both in their activities and in their value formation. In addition, the data collection workshops revealed that firms tend to neglect the inspection of their incentives to their partners, as they concentrate on value formation to end-customers.

Practical implications – From the managerial point of view, the study shows how the managers of international entrepreneurial firms may describe and analyze their business model, including the whole value chain, systematically from the perspective of value exchange. Firms may gain insights from examining the business models of similar organizations.

Originality/value – Even though the role of the business model has also been discussed in previous studies, it has not been so explicitly pronounced in the domain of international entrepreneurship. The paper contributes to previous business model conceptualizations by adding the notion of value exchange at the company interfaces.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 16:45